Hanse 320 vs Catalina 270 — Comparison
Hanse 320
Catalina 270
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hanse 320 | Catalina 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hanse | Catalina |
| Year | 2005–2010 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | judel/vrolijk & co | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.92 m (32.5 ft) | 8.31 m (27.3 ft) |
| LWL | 8.80 m (28.9 ft) | 7.24 m (23.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.47 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs) | 2,313 kg (5,099 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hanse 320 and Catalina 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 320 is a 2000s design by Hanse from Germany, while the Catalina 270 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Hanse 320 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The Catalina 270 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Hanse 320 measures 9.92m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Catalina 270 at 8.31m (27.3ft) with a 2.74m beam. The Hanse 320 is 1.61m longer than the Catalina 270. The Hanse 320 displaces approximately 99% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hanse 320 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.90 and 46.0 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 Hanse 320 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Catalina 270 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the Hanse 320 and 39.2% for the Catalina 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hanse 320 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 90L of fuel. The Catalina 270 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hanse 320 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 Hanse 320 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Hanse 320 · Catalina 270