2003 Catalina 310 vs 1978 C&C 24 — Comparison
2003 Catalina 310
1978 C&C 24
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Catalina 310 | 1978 C&C 24 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1978–1983 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Canada |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 612 kg (1,349 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.3 m² (488 ft²) | 24.0 m² (258 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 7 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 19 L (5.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Catalina 310 and 1978 C&C 24 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Catalina 310 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 2003 Catalina 310 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1978 C&C 24 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.
In terms of size, the 2003 Catalina 310 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the 1978 C&C 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 2003 Catalina 310 is 2.13m longer than the 1978 C&C 24. The 2003 Catalina 310 displaces approximately 203% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Catalina 310 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.80 and 45.3 m² of sail area. The 1978 C&C 24, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 24.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1978 C&C 24 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Catalina 310 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1978 C&C 24 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.85. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2003 Catalina 310 and 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Catalina 310 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1978 C&C 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Catalina 310 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 1978 C&C 24 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2003 Catalina 310 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: 2003 Catalina 310 · 1978 C&C 24