1986 Catalina 27 vs Beneteau First 20 — Comparison
1986 Catalina 27
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Catalina 27 | Beneteau First 20 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Beneteau |
| Year | 1986–1991 | 2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Sam Manuard |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 5.90 m (19.4 ft) |
| LWL | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) | 5.39 m (17.7 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 2.34 m (7.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.30 m (4.3 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 660 kg (1,455 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 165 kg (364 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 30.9 m² (333 ft²) | 19.5 m² (210 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Lifting |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 4 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | — |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 10 L (2.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 3 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Catalina 27 and Beneteau First 20 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Catalina 27 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the Beneteau First 20 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1986 Catalina 27 was penned by Frank Butler. The Beneteau First 20 was designed by Sam Manuard.
In terms of size, the 1986 Catalina 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the Beneteau First 20 at 5.90m (19.4ft) with a 2.34m beam. The 1986 Catalina 27 is 2.33m longer than the Beneteau First 20. The 1986 Catalina 27 displaces approximately 312% 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 Beneteau First 20, with an SA/D of 26.16 and 19.5 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 20 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 Beneteau First 20 has a comfort ratio of 10.6 and a capsize screening value of 1.08. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Catalina 27 and 25.0% for the Beneteau First 20, 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 Beneteau First 20 offers 3 berths in 1 cabin with 10L water and unspecified fuel.
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 Beneteau First 20 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 · Beneteau First 20