Catalina 323 vs 1986 Island Packet 27 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 323 | 1986 Island Packet 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Island Packet |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 1986–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 323 and 1986 Island Packet 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 323 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1986 Island Packet 27 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Catalina 323 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1986 Island Packet 27 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the Catalina 323 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the 1986 Island Packet 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.90m beam. The Catalina 323 is 1.52m longer than the 1986 Island Packet 27. The Catalina 323 displaces approximately 50% 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 1986 Island Packet 27, with an SA/D of 13.64 and 29.0 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 1986 Island Packet 27 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 323 and 40.0% for the 1986 Island Packet 27, 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 1986 Island Packet 27 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Island Packet 27 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 · 1986 Island Packet 27