1986 Catalina 27 vs Hunter 356 — Comparison
1986 Catalina 27
Hunter 356
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Catalina 27 | Hunter 356 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Hunter |
| Year | 1986–1991 | 2000–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) |
| LWL | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) | 9.30 m (30.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 3.53 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 30.9 m² (333 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Catalina 27 and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Catalina 27 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1986 Catalina 27 was penned by Frank Butler. The Hunter 356 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1986 Catalina 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the Hunter 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The Hunter 356 is 2.59m longer than the 1986 Catalina 27. The Hunter 356 displaces approximately 100% 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 Hunter 356, with an SA/D of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 356 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 Hunter 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Catalina 27 and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, 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 Hunter 356 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Catalina 27 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 Hunter 356 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 · Hunter 356