2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II vs Catalina 545 — Comparison

2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
VS
Catalina 545Catalina 545

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk IICatalina 545
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyCatalina
Year20172014
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenUSA
DesignerGerman FrersGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA14.99 m (49.2 ft)16.46 m (54.0 ft)
LWL13.00 m (42.7 ft)14.33 m (47.0 ft)
Beam4.40 m (14.4 ft)4.72 m (15.5 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.18 m (7.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement15,000 kg (33,069 lbs)18,144 kg (40,001 lbs)
Ballast5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)6,804 kg (15,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area103.0 m² (1,109 ft²)120.0 m² (1,292 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine110 HP110 HP
Fuel Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)340 L (89.8 gal)
Water Capacity700 L (184.9 gal)605 L (159.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
17.20
Catalina 545
17.65
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
36.67
Catalina 545
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
0.71
Catalina 545
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II
17.32
Catalina 545
15.74

Detailed Comparison

The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II and Catalina 545 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II is a modern design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the Catalina 545 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II was penned by German Frers. The Catalina 545 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II measures 14.99m (49.2ft) overall with a beam of 4.40m, compared to the Catalina 545 at 16.46m (54.0ft) with a 4.72m beam. The Catalina 545 is 1.47m longer than the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II. The Catalina 545 displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.20 and 103.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 545, with an SA/D of 17.65 and 120.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 545 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The Catalina 545 has a comfort ratio of 15.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II and 37.5% for the Catalina 545, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 700L of water capacity and 400L of fuel. The Catalina 545 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 605L water and 340L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2017 Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II 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 545 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Catalina 545 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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