Hanse 388 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hanse 388 | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hanse | Catalina |
| Year | 2017 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | judel/vrolijk & co | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.40 m (37.4 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.34 m (33.9 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.73 m (12.2 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,200 kg (15,873 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 260 L (68.7 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hanse 388 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 388 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The Hanse 388 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Hanse 388 measures 11.40m (37.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.73m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Hanse 388 is 1.65m longer than the Catalina 323. The Hanse 388 displaces approximately 51% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hanse 388 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.17 and 63.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hanse 388 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hanse 388 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.6% for the Hanse 388 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hanse 388 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L of water capacity and 140L of fuel. The Catalina 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 323 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 Hanse 388 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
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Hanse 388 · Catalina 323