2008 Catalina 350 vs 2006 Island Packet 420 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Catalina 350 | 2006 Island Packet 420 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Island Packet |
| Year | 2008–2012 | 2006–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.42 m (4.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 55.3 m² (595 ft²) | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 454 L (119.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Catalina 350 and 2006 Island Packet 420 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 2008 Catalina 350 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2006 Island Packet 420 is a 2000s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 2008 Catalina 350 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2006 Island Packet 420 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 2008 Catalina 350 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 2006 Island Packet 420 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The 2006 Island Packet 420 is 2.13m longer than the 2008 Catalina 350. The 2006 Island Packet 420 displaces approximately 66% 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 2006 Island Packet 420, with an SA/D of 14.89 and 72.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2008 Catalina 350 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 2006 Island Packet 420 has a comfort ratio of 20.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 2008 Catalina 350 and 39.6% for the 2006 Island Packet 420, 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 2006 Island Packet 420 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L water and 227L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2006 Island Packet 420 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 2008 Catalina 350 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.
Compare Different Boats
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Or view individual specs: 2008 Catalina 350 · 2006 Island Packet 420