Catalina 28 vs 1971 C&C 27 — Comparison

Catalina 28Catalina 28
VS
1971 C&C 271971 C&C 27

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 281971 C&C 27
General
ManufacturerCatalinaC&C Yachts
Year1998–20041971–1975
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerGerry DouglasCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA8.69 m (28.5 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)6.55 m (21.5 ft)
Beam2.90 m (9.5 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,812 kg (6,199 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast1,134 kg (2,500 lbs)1,043 kg (2,299 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area33.5 m² (361 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 28
17.09
1971 C&C 27
17.13
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 28
40.33
1971 C&C 27
41.80
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 28
0.82
1971 C&C 27
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 28
16.59
1971 C&C 27
20.13

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 28 and 1971 C&C 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 28 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1971 C&C 27 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Catalina 28 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1971 C&C 27 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the Catalina 28 measures 8.69m (28.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1971 C&C 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The Catalina 28 is 0.46m longer than the 1971 C&C 27. The Catalina 28 displaces approximately 13% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 28 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.09 and 33.5 m² of sail area. The 1971 C&C 27, with an SA/D of 17.13 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1971 C&C 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 28 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.82). The 1971 C&C 27 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 40.3% for the Catalina 28 and 41.8% for the 1971 C&C 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 28 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 95L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1971 C&C 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1971 C&C 27 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 1971 C&C 27 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 28 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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