1978 Catalina 25 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
1978 Catalina 25
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Catalina 25 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dufour |
| Year | 1978–1991 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 748 kg (1,649 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 26.1 m² (281 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Catalina 25 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Catalina 25 is a 1970s design by Catalina from USA, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1978 Catalina 25 was penned by Frank Butler. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1978 Catalina 25 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Dufour 32 Classic is 2.08m longer than the 1978 Catalina 25. The Dufour 32 Classic displaces approximately 136% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Catalina 25 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.26 and 26.1 m² of sail area. The Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1978 Catalina 25 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Catalina 25 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 39.3% for the 1978 Catalina 25 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Catalina 25 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Catalina 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 1978 Catalina 25 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 32 Classic offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1978 Catalina 25 · Dufour 32 Classic