Catalina 28 vs 1983 Pearson 31 — Comparison
Catalina 28
1983 Pearson 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 28 | 1983 Pearson 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Pearson |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1983–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | William Shaw |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 7.77 m (25.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs) | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 28 and 1983 Pearson 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 28 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1983 Pearson 31 is a 1980s offering from Pearson from USA. The Catalina 28 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1983 Pearson 31 was designed by William Shaw.
In terms of size, the Catalina 28 measures 8.69m (28.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1983 Pearson 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1983 Pearson 31 is 0.76m longer than the Catalina 28. The 1983 Pearson 31 displaces approximately 53% 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 1983 Pearson 31, with an SA/D of 15.35 and 40.0 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 1983 Pearson 31 has a comfort ratio of 21.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 40.3% for the Catalina 28 and 42.1% for the 1983 Pearson 31, 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 1983 Pearson 31 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Pearson 31 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.
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Or view individual specs: Catalina 28 · 1983 Pearson 31