Catalina 270 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
Catalina 270
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 270 | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 1992–2002 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.31 m (27.3 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.24 m (23.8 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.47 m (4.8 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,313 kg (5,099 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 12 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 270 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 270 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The Catalina 270 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Catalina 270 measures 8.31m (27.3ft) overall with a beam of 2.74m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Catalina 323 is 1.44m longer than the Catalina 270. The Catalina 323 displaces approximately 106% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 270 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.01 and 31.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 270 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 270 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.2% for the Catalina 270 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 270 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The Catalina 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 323 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 Catalina 270 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 323 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: Catalina 270 · Catalina 323