Catalina 315 vs Hunter 280 — Comparison
Catalina 315
Hunter 280
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 315 | Hunter 280 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Hunter |
| Year | 2014 | 1998–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.61 m (28.2 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 2.82 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) | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 998 kg (2,200 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 | 15 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 Hunter 280 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 280 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 280 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the Catalina 315 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the Hunter 280 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.82m beam. The Catalina 315 is 0.92m longer than the Hunter 280. The Catalina 315 displaces approximately 75% 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 Hunter 280, with an SA/D of 18.35 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 280 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 Hunter 280 has a comfort ratio of 16.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 38.6% for the Hunter 280, 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 Hunter 280 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L 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 Hunter 280 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
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Or view individual specs: Catalina 315 · Hunter 280