2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large vs Catalina 315 — Comparison
Catalina 315
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large | Catalina 315 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Catalina |
| Year | 2018–2022 | 2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.55 m (31.3 ft) | 8.61 m (28.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,900 kg (13,007 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 132 L (34.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and Catalina 315 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the Catalina 315 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The Catalina 315 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the Catalina 315 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large is 0.85m longer than the Catalina 315. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large displaces approximately 30% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.58 and 56.5 m² of sail area. The Catalina 315, with an SA/D of 16.32 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Catalina 315 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 28.8% for the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and 40.0% for the Catalina 315, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The Catalina 315 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L water and 76L 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 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large 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: 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large · Catalina 315