Catalina 28 vs 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon — Comparison

Catalina 28Catalina 28
VS
1975 Cape Dory Typhoon1975 Cape Dory Typhoon

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 281975 Cape Dory Typhoon
General
ManufacturerCatalinaCape Dory
Year1998–20041975–1988
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasCarl Alberg
Dimensions
LOA8.69 m (28.5 ft)5.79 m (19.0 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)4.57 m (15.0 ft)
Beam2.90 m (9.5 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)0.76 m (2.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,812 kg (6,199 lbs)680 kg (1,499 lbs)
Ballast1,134 kg (2,500 lbs)272 kg (600 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area33.5 m² (361 ft²)10.6 m² (114 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP5 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)8 L (2.1 gal)
Water Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)15 L (4.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths62
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 28
17.09
1975 Cape Dory Typhoon
13.94
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 28
40.33
1975 Cape Dory Typhoon
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 28
0.82
1975 Cape Dory Typhoon
0.83
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 28
16.59
1975 Cape Dory Typhoon
19.19

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 28 and 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 28 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Catalina 28 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon was designed by Carl Alberg.

In terms of size, the Catalina 28 measures 8.69m (28.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon at 5.79m (19.0ft) with a 1.83m beam. The Catalina 28 is 2.90m longer than the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon. The Catalina 28 displaces approximately 314% 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 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon, with an SA/D of 13.94 and 10.6 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Catalina 28 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 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 40.3% for the Catalina 28 and 40.0% for the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon, 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 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 15L water and 8L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon 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 28 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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