Catalina 315 vs 1976 Ericson 29 — Comparison
Catalina 315
1976 Ericson 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 315 | 1976 Ericson 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Ericson |
| Year | 2014 | 1976–1983 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Bruce King |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.61 m (28.2 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 13 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 132 L (34.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 315 and 1976 Ericson 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 1976 Ericson 29 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1976 Ericson 29 was designed by Bruce King.
In terms of size, the Catalina 315 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1976 Ericson 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The Catalina 315 is 0.61m longer than the 1976 Ericson 29. The Catalina 315 displaces approximately 43% 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 1976 Ericson 29, with an SA/D of 15.99 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1976 Ericson 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 42.9% for the 1976 Ericson 29, 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 1976 Ericson 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1976 Ericson 29 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Catalina 315 · 1976 Ericson 29