Catalina 315 vs 1975 Pearson 28 — Comparison

Catalina 315Catalina 315
VS
1975 Pearson 281975 Pearson 28

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 3151975 Pearson 28
General
ManufacturerCatalinaPearson
Year20141975–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA9.45 m (31.0 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL8.61 m (28.2 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.20 m (10.5 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Ballast1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)1,270 kg (2,800 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area44.0 m² (474 ft²)30.0 m² (323 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity132 L (34.9 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths55
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 315
16.32
1975 Pearson 28
14.83
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 315
39.99
1975 Pearson 28
43.08
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 315
0.77
1975 Pearson 28
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 315
18.85
1975 Pearson 28
21.23

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 315 and 1975 Pearson 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 1975 Pearson 28 is a 1970s offering from Pearson from USA. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1975 Pearson 28 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the Catalina 315 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1975 Pearson 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The Catalina 315 is 0.92m longer than the 1975 Pearson 28. The Catalina 315 displaces approximately 54% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 315 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.32 and 44.0 m² of sail area. The 1975 Pearson 28, with an SA/D of 14.83 and 30.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Catalina 315 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 315 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1975 Pearson 28 has a comfort ratio of 21.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 43.1% for the 1975 Pearson 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 315 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1975 Pearson 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Pearson 28 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 315 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: Catalina 315 · 1975 Pearson 28