Catalina 28 vs 1976 C&C 33 — Comparison
Catalina 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 28 | 1976 C&C 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1976–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Canada |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 28 and 1976 C&C 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 28 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1976 C&C 33 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Catalina 28 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1976 C&C 33 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 1976 C&C 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1976 C&C 33 is 1.37m longer than the Catalina 28. The 1976 C&C 33 displaces approximately 61% 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 1976 C&C 33, with an SA/D of 15.57 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1976 C&C 33 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 40.3% for the Catalina 28 and 45.0% for the 1976 C&C 33, 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 1976 C&C 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1976 C&C 33 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for 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: Catalina 28 · 1976 C&C 33