1984 J/29 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1984 J/29 | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Catalina |
| Year | 1984–1990 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.99 m (29.5 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 41.1 m² (442 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1984 J/29 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 J/29 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1984 J/29 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1984 J/29 measures 8.99m (29.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Catalina 323 is 0.76m longer than the 1984 J/29. The Catalina 323 displaces approximately 46% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1984 J/29 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.97 and 41.1 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 1984 J/29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1984 J/29 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.89). The Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 45.8% for the 1984 J/29 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1984 J/29 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Catalina 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 323 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 1984 J/29 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: 1984 J/29 · Catalina 323