2003 Catalina 310 vs Dufour 365 Grand Large — Comparison
2003 Catalina 310
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Catalina 310 | Dufour 365 Grand Large |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dufour |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 2003–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 9.72 m (31.9 ft) |
| Beam | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) | 3.52 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 6,100 kg (13,448 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,850 kg (4,079 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.3 m² (488 ft²) | 57.5 m² (619 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 210 L (55.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Catalina 310 and Dufour 365 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Catalina 310 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Dufour 365 Grand Large is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 2003 Catalina 310 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Dufour 365 Grand Large was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 2003 Catalina 310 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the Dufour 365 Grand Large at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.52m beam. The Dufour 365 Grand Large is 1.52m longer than the 2003 Catalina 310. The Dufour 365 Grand Large displaces approximately 34% 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 17.50 and 57.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 365 Grand Large 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2003 Catalina 310 and 30.3% for the Dufour 365 Grand Large, 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 210L water and 120L 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large 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: 2003 Catalina 310 · Dufour 365 Grand Large