Catalina 425 vs 2016 Elan GT5 — Comparison

Catalina 425Catalina 425
VS
2016 Elan GT5

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 4252016 Elan GT5
General
ManufacturerCatalinaElan
Year20132016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASlovenia
DesignerGerry DouglasRob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche
Dimensions
LOA12.95 m (42.5 ft)13.85 m (45.4 ft)
LWL11.28 m (37.0 ft)12.20 m (40.0 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)4.28 m (14.0 ft)
Draft2.06 m (6.8 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,616 kg (21,200 lbs)10,200 kg (22,487 lbs)
Ballast3,719 kg (8,199 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area78.0 m² (840 ft²)92.0 m² (990 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity322 L (85.1 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 425
17.52
2016 Elan GT5
19.87
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 425
38.68
2016 Elan GT5
31.37
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 425
0.75
2016 Elan GT5
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 425
17.02
2016 Elan GT5
14.02

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 425 and 2016 Elan GT5 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 425 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 2016 Elan GT5 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Catalina 425 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2016 Elan GT5 was designed by Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche.

In terms of size, the Catalina 425 measures 12.95m (42.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2016 Elan GT5 at 13.85m (45.4ft) with a 4.28m beam. The 2016 Elan GT5 is 0.90m longer than the Catalina 425. The 2016 Elan GT5 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 425 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.52 and 78.0 m² of sail area. The 2016 Elan GT5, with an SA/D of 19.87 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Elan GT5 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 425 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2016 Elan GT5 has a comfort ratio of 14.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the Catalina 425 and 31.4% for the 2016 Elan GT5, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 425 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 322L of water capacity and 152L of fuel. The 2016 Elan GT5 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 425 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 2016 Elan GT5 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2016 Elan GT5 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: Catalina 425 · 2016 Elan GT5