Catalina 315 vs 1983 Irwin 32 — Comparison
Catalina 315
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 315 | 1983 Irwin 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Irwin |
| Year | 2014 | 1983–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.61 m (28.2 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 132 L (34.9 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 315 and 1983 Irwin 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 1983 Irwin 32 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1983 Irwin 32 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the Catalina 315 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1983 Irwin 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1983 Irwin 32 is 0.30m longer than the Catalina 315. The 1983 Irwin 32 displaces approximately 10% 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 1983 Irwin 32, with an SA/D of 14.27 and 41.0 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 1983 Irwin 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 40.9% for the 1983 Irwin 32, 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 1983 Irwin 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Irwin 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 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: The 1983 Irwin 32 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 315 · 1983 Irwin 32