Catalina 323 vs 2000 Island Packet 38 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 323 | 2000 Island Packet 38 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Island Packet |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 2000–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 3,447 kg (7,599 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 60.5 m² (651 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 340 L (89.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 323 and 2000 Island Packet 38 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The Catalina 323 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2000 Island Packet 38 is a 2000s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Catalina 323 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2000 Island Packet 38 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 2000 Island Packet 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2000 Island Packet 38 is 1.83m longer than the Catalina 323. The 2000 Island Packet 38 displaces approximately 81% 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 2000 Island Packet 38, with an SA/D of 14.62 and 60.5 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 2000 Island Packet 38 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 323 and 40.0% for the 2000 Island Packet 38, 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 2000 Island Packet 38 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 340L water and 189L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2000 Island Packet 38 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: 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: Catalina 323 · 2000 Island Packet 38