2008 Catalina 350 vs Beneteau First 27 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Catalina 350 | Beneteau First 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Beneteau |
| Year | 2008–2012 | 1990–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 8.19 m (26.9 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 7.21 m (23.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 2.79 m (9.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.55 m (5.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 850 kg (1,874 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 55.3 m² (595 ft²) | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 9 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 70 L (18.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Catalina 350 and Beneteau First 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Catalina 350 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Beneteau First 27 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2008 Catalina 350 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Beneteau First 27 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 2008 Catalina 350 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Beneteau First 27 at 8.19m (26.9ft) with a 2.79m beam. The 2008 Catalina 350 is 2.48m longer than the Beneteau First 27. The 2008 Catalina 350 displaces approximately 174% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2008 Catalina 350 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.01 and 55.3 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 27, with an SA/D of 19.84 and 35.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2008 Catalina 350 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Beneteau First 27 has a comfort ratio of 16.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 2008 Catalina 350 and 35.4% for the Beneteau First 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2008 Catalina 350 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Beneteau First 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 70L water and 40L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2008 Catalina 350 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 Beneteau First 27 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2008 Catalina 350 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: 2008 Catalina 350 · Beneteau First 27