1978 Albin Ballad 30 vs Catalina 28 — Comparison
1978 Albin Ballad 30
Catalina 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Albin Ballad 30 | Catalina 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Albin | Catalina |
| Year | 1978–1984 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | USA |
| Designer | Rolf Magnusson | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.07 m (29.8 ft) | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,400 kg (7,496 lbs) | 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.5 m² (414 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 12 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 and Catalina 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 is a 1970s design by Albin from Sweden, while the Catalina 28 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 was penned by Rolf Magnusson. The Catalina 28 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 measures 9.07m (29.8ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the Catalina 28 at 8.69m (28.5ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 is 0.38m longer than the Catalina 28. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.30 and 38.5 m² of sail area. The Catalina 28, with an SA/D of 17.09 and 33.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 28 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 42.7% for the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 and 40.3% for the Catalina 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 60L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The Catalina 28 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 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 1978 Albin Ballad 30 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 28 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: 1978 Albin Ballad 30 · Catalina 28