2003 Catalina 310 vs Catalina 270 — Comparison
2003 Catalina 310
Catalina 270
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Catalina 310 | Catalina 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.31 m (27.3 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 7.24 m (23.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.47 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 2,313 kg (5,099 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.3 m² (488 ft²) | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Catalina 310 and Catalina 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Catalina 310 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 270 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2003 Catalina 310 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 270 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 2003 Catalina 310 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the Catalina 270 at 8.31m (27.3ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 2003 Catalina 310 is 1.14m longer than the Catalina 270. The 2003 Catalina 310 displaces approximately 96% 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 Catalina 270, with an SA/D of 18.01 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 270 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 Catalina 270 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2003 Catalina 310 and 39.2% for the Catalina 270, 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 Catalina 270 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L 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 Catalina 270 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 · Catalina 270