1994 Catalina 320 vs Dufour 310 Grand Large — Comparison
1994 Catalina 320
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 Catalina 320 | Dufour 310 Grand Large |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dufour |
| Year | 1994–2007 | 2015–2020 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Felci Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 9.43 m (30.9 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 8.45 m (27.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 4,150 kg (9,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 1,230 kg (2,712 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.4 m² (510 ft²) | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 133 L (35.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 Catalina 320 and Dufour 310 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Catalina 320 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Dufour 310 Grand Large is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The 1994 Catalina 320 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Dufour 310 Grand Large was designed by Felci Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1994 Catalina 320 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the Dufour 310 Grand Large at 9.43m (30.9ft) with a 3.13m beam. The 1994 Catalina 320 is 0.32m longer than the Dufour 310 Grand Large. The 1994 Catalina 320 displaces approximately 15% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1994 Catalina 320 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.01 and 47.4 m² of sail area. The Dufour 310 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 15.74 and 40.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1994 Catalina 320 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1994 Catalina 320 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Dufour 310 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1994 Catalina 320 and 29.6% for the Dufour 310 Grand Large, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1994 Catalina 320 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 133L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Dufour 310 Grand Large offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Catalina 320 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 1994 Catalina 320 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1994 Catalina 320 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1994 Catalina 320 · Dufour 310 Grand Large