1990 J/40 vs Catalina 390 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 J/40 | Catalina 390 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Catalina |
| Year | 1990–1995 | 1997–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.30 m (40.4 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.08 m (6.8 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 8,256 kg (18,201 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.5 m² (780 ft²) | 65.5 m² (705 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 J/40 and Catalina 390 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 J/40 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Catalina 390 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1990 J/40 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Catalina 390 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1990 J/40 measures 12.30m (40.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Catalina 390 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The 1990 J/40 is 0.41m longer than the Catalina 390. The Catalina 390 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 J/40 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.87 and 72.5 m² of sail area. The Catalina 390, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1990 J/40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 J/40 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Catalina 390 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 44.1% for the 1990 J/40 and 39.6% for the Catalina 390, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 J/40 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Catalina 390 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 390 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 1990 J/40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Catalina 390 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: 1990 J/40 · Catalina 390