Catalina 315 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
Catalina 315
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 315 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dufour |
| Year | 2014 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.61 m (28.2 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 132 L (34.9 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 315 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the Catalina 315 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Dufour 32 Classic is 0.25m longer than the Catalina 315. The Catalina 315 displaces approximately 1% 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 Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 32 Classic 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 Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, 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 Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 32 Classic 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 Dufour 32 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 32 Classic 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 · Dufour 32 Classic