1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 vs Catalina 440 — Comparison

1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461
VS
Catalina 440

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461Catalina 440
General
ManufacturerBeneteauCatalina
Year1995–20002010–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerGroupe FinotGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA14.02 m (46.0 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL12.19 m (40.0 ft)11.73 m (38.5 ft)
Beam4.37 m (14.3 ft)4.14 m (13.6 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)1.96 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)10,886 kg (23,999 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area88.3 m² (951 ft²)82.0 m² (883 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)189 L (49.9 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)379 L (100.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins42

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461
17.77
Catalina 440
16.96
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461
32.00
Catalina 440
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461
0.78
Catalina 440
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461
15.05
Catalina 440
16.84

Detailed Comparison

The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 and Catalina 440 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 440 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 was penned by Groupe Finot. The Catalina 440 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 measures 14.02m (46.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.37m, compared to the Catalina 440 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 4.14m beam. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 is 0.61m longer than the Catalina 440. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 displaces approximately 4% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.77 and 88.3 m² of sail area. The Catalina 440, with an SA/D of 16.96 and 82.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Catalina 440 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 32.0% for the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 and 37.5% for the Catalina 440, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 provides 8 berths in 4 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The Catalina 440 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 379L water and 189L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 440 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 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 461 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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