1978 Cape Dory 25 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Cape Dory 25 | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Catalina |
| Year | 1978–1983 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 5.79 m (19.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 862 kg (1,900 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 25.0 m² (269 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Cape Dory 25 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Cape Dory 25 is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1978 Cape Dory 25 was penned by Carl Alberg. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1978 Cape Dory 25 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Catalina 323 is 2.13m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 25. The Catalina 323 displaces approximately 133% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Cape Dory 25 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.79 and 25.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 323 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Cape Dory 25 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.2% for the 1978 Cape Dory 25 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Cape Dory 25 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 30L of fuel. The Catalina 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Cape Dory 25 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 Catalina 323 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 323 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 Cape Dory 25 · Catalina 323