1974 Catalina 27 vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1974 Catalina 27
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1974 Catalina 27 | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Contest |
| Year | 1974–1982 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,586 kg (5,701 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,043 kg (2,299 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 29.5 m² (318 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1974 Catalina 27 and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1974 Catalina 27 is a 1970s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The 1974 Catalina 27 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the 1974 Catalina 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1980 Contest 33 is 1.83m longer than the 1974 Catalina 27. The 1980 Contest 33 displaces approximately 101% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1974 Catalina 27 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.91 and 29.5 m² of sail area. The 1980 Contest 33, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1974 Catalina 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1974 Catalina 27 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.3% for the 1974 Catalina 27 and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1974 Catalina 27 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1980 Contest 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Contest 33 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 27 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1974 Catalina 27 · 1980 Contest 33