1974 Catalina 22 vs Catalina 270 — Comparison
1974 Catalina 22
Catalina 270
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1974 Catalina 22 | Catalina 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 1974–2012 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 8.31 m (27.3 ft) |
| LWL | 5.79 m (19.0 ft) | 7.24 m (23.8 ft) |
| Beam | 2.24 m (7.3 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.47 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 862 kg (1,900 lbs) | 2,313 kg (5,099 lbs) |
| Ballast | 363 kg (800 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 18.4 m² (198 ft²) | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 6 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 L (4.0 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 20 L (5.3 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1974 Catalina 22 and Catalina 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1974 Catalina 22 is a 1970s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 270 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1974 Catalina 22 was penned by Frank Butler. The Catalina 270 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1974 Catalina 22 measures 6.71m (22.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.24m, compared to the Catalina 270 at 8.31m (27.3ft) with a 2.74m beam. The Catalina 270 is 1.60m longer than the 1974 Catalina 22. The Catalina 270 displaces approximately 168% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1974 Catalina 22 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.65 and 18.4 m² of sail area. The Catalina 270, with an SA/D of 18.01 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1974 Catalina 22 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1974 Catalina 22 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 12.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.94). The Catalina 270 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 42.1% for the 1974 Catalina 22 and 39.2% for the Catalina 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1974 Catalina 22 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 20L of water capacity and 15L of fuel. The Catalina 270 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 270 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1974 Catalina 22 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Catalina 270 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1974 Catalina 22 · Catalina 270