1986 Catalina 27 vs 1977 Cal 33 — Comparison
1986 Catalina 27
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Catalina 27 | 1977 Cal 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Cal |
| Year | 1986–1991 | 1977–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 30.9 m² (333 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Catalina 27 and 1977 Cal 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Catalina 27 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1977 Cal 33 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 1986 Catalina 27 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1977 Cal 33 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 1986 Catalina 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the 1977 Cal 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1977 Cal 33 is 1.83m longer than the 1986 Catalina 27. The 1977 Cal 33 displaces approximately 92% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1986 Catalina 27 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.11 and 30.9 m² of sail area. The 1977 Cal 33, with an SA/D of 14.53 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1986 Catalina 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1986 Catalina 27 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1977 Cal 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Catalina 27 and 41.7% for the 1977 Cal 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1986 Catalina 27 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1977 Cal 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1977 Cal 33 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 1986 Catalina 27 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1986 Catalina 27 · 1977 Cal 33