Catalina 315 vs 1997 Tartan 3700 — Comparison
Catalina 315
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 315 | 1997 Tartan 3700 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Tartan |
| Year | 2014 | 1997–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Tim Jackett |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.61 m (28.2 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 7,031 kg (15,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 132 L (34.9 gal) | 220 L (58.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 315 and 1997 Tartan 3700 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 1997 Tartan 3700 is a 1990s offering from Tartan from USA. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1997 Tartan 3700 was designed by Tim Jackett.
In terms of size, the Catalina 315 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1997 Tartan 3700 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1997 Tartan 3700 is 1.83m longer than the Catalina 315. The 1997 Tartan 3700 displaces approximately 55% 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 1997 Tartan 3700, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1997 Tartan 3700 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 1997 Tartan 3700 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 41.9% for the 1997 Tartan 3700, 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 1997 Tartan 3700 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 220L water and 130L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 315 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 1997 Tartan 3700 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1997 Tartan 3700 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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 · 1997 Tartan 3700