Catalina 250 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
Catalina 250
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 250 | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 1994–2004 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.78 m (22.2 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 612 kg (1,349 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 24.5 m² (264 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 42 L (11.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 250 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 250 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The Catalina 250 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Catalina 250 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Catalina 323 is 2.13m longer than the Catalina 250. The Catalina 323 displaces approximately 200% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 250 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.30 and 24.5 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 250 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 250 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.89). The Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the Catalina 250 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 250 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 42L of water capacity and 30L 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 250 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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