Beneteau First 30 vs Catalina 315 — Comparison
Beneteau First 30
Catalina 315
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 30 | Catalina 315 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Catalina |
| Year | 1983–1989 | 2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 8.61 m (28.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 132 L (34.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 30 and Catalina 315 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 315 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The Beneteau First 30 was penned by Jean Berret. The Catalina 315 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Catalina 315 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Catalina 315 is 0.31m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The Catalina 315 displaces approximately 26% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 30 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 315, with an SA/D of 16.32 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau First 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Catalina 315 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30 and 40.0% for the Catalina 315, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 30 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The Catalina 315 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Beneteau First 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 Beneteau First 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 Beneteau First 30 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: Beneteau First 30 · Catalina 315