1986 Catalina 27 vs 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 — Comparison
1986 Catalina 27
1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Catalina 27 | 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Pacific Seacraft |
| Year | 1986–1991 | 1980–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | William Crealock |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) | 5.79 m (19.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 2.54 m (8.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 1,043 kg (2,299 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 30.9 m² (333 ft²) | 23.5 m² (253 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 3 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Catalina 27 and 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1986 Catalina 27 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 1986 Catalina 27 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 was designed by William Crealock.
In terms of size, the 1986 Catalina 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.54m beam. The 1986 Catalina 27 is 0.91m longer than the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24. The 1986 Catalina 27 displaces approximately 9% 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 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 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 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 1986 Catalina 27 and 41.8% for the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, 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 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 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: The 1986 Catalina 27 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: 1986 Catalina 27 · 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24