Catalina 28 vs 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 — Comparison

Catalina 28Catalina 28
VS
1986 Pacific Seacraft 25

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 281986 Pacific Seacraft 25
General
ManufacturerCatalinaPacific Seacraft
Year1998–20041986–2007
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasWilliam Crealock
Dimensions
LOA8.69 m (28.5 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)5.94 m (19.5 ft)
Beam2.90 m (9.5 ft)2.44 m (8.0 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,812 kg (6,199 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Ballast1,134 kg (2,500 lbs)953 kg (2,101 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area33.5 m² (361 ft²)24.0 m² (258 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Water Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 28
17.09
1986 Pacific Seacraft 25
14.13
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 28
40.33
1986 Pacific Seacraft 25
42.02
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 28
0.82
1986 Pacific Seacraft 25
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 28
16.59
1986 Pacific Seacraft 25
25.59

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 28 and 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 28 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 is a 1980s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The Catalina 28 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 was designed by William Crealock.

In terms of size, the Catalina 28 measures 8.69m (28.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The Catalina 28 is 1.07m longer than the 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25. The Catalina 28 displaces approximately 24% 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 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25, with an SA/D of 14.13 and 24.0 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 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 has a comfort ratio of 25.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.3% for the Catalina 28 and 42.0% for the 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25, 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 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 30L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25 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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Or view individual specs: Catalina 28 · 1986 Pacific Seacraft 25