1985 Catalina 30 vs 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 — Comparison
1985 Catalina 30
1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Catalina 30 | 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Pacific Seacraft |
| Year | 1985–1996 | 1980–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | William Crealock |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 5.79 m (19.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 2.54 m (8.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,043 kg (2,299 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.2 m² (433 ft²) | 23.5 m² (253 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 3 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Catalina 30 and 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1985 Catalina 30 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 is a 1980s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The 1985 Catalina 30 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 was designed by William Crealock.
In terms of size, the 1985 Catalina 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.54m beam. The 1985 Catalina 30 is 1.82m longer than the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24. The 1985 Catalina 30 displaces approximately 82% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Catalina 30 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.91 and 40.2 m² of sail area. The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, with an SA/D of 12.98 and 23.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1985 Catalina 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Catalina 30 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 has a comfort ratio of 28.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1985 Catalina 30 and 41.8% for the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Catalina 30 provides 7 berths in 1 cabin with 114L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 offers 3 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 30L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 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 1985 Catalina 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 1985 Catalina 30 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: 1985 Catalina 30 · 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24