2010 Dehler 32 vs Catalina 270 — Comparison
Catalina 270
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2010 Dehler 32 | Catalina 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Catalina |
| Year | 2010–2017 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.90 m (32.5 ft) | 8.31 m (27.3 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 7.24 m (23.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.16 m (10.4 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.47 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,400 kg (9,700 lbs) | 2,313 kg (5,099 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 55 L (14.5 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2010 Dehler 32 and Catalina 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Dehler 32 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the Catalina 270 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2010 Dehler 32 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The Catalina 270 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 2010 Dehler 32 measures 9.90m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.16m, compared to the Catalina 270 at 8.31m (27.3ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 2010 Dehler 32 is 1.59m longer than the Catalina 270. The 2010 Dehler 32 displaces approximately 90% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2010 Dehler 32 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.06 and 53.0 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 2010 Dehler 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2010 Dehler 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 270 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 2010 Dehler 32 and 39.2% for the Catalina 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2010 Dehler 32 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 55L of fuel. The Catalina 270 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2010 Dehler 32 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 2010 Dehler 32 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: 2010 Dehler 32 · Catalina 270