Catalina 323 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 323 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 323 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 323 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Catalina 323 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Catalina 323 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The Catalina 323 is 1.52m longer than the 1978 Cape Dory 270. The Catalina 323 displaces approximately 75% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 323 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of sail area. The 1978 Cape Dory 270, with an SA/D of 14.60 and 28.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Catalina 323 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 323 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 323 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 323 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Cape Dory 270 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 323 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 323 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 323 · 1978 Cape Dory 270