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1979 catalina sailboat

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1979 catalina sailboat

Catalina 270 vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

The Ericson 41's solid build and stylish 1960s lines offer an offshore-ready cruiser with class. The slender cockpit means you can brace yourself with a foot on the the leeward side. Which, as it turns out, makes you look classy as well. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

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1979 catalina sailboat

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We like going one size over what is often recommended for smaller boats. The advantages are a.Less stretch. Nylon can be too stretchy, but polyester not stretchy enough. One size over can be a Goldilocks answer. b.Better wear resistance. Because we like using short chain when hand-hauling, we cover the first 10 feet with a webbing chafe guard. This is very cut resistant, because unlike the rope inside, it is floating and not under tension. c. Better grip. ⅜-in. is pretty hard to grab with the wind is up. ½-in. fits our hands better. (Photo/ Drew Frye)

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1979 catalina sailboat

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1979 catalina sailboat

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Dear Readers

  • Sailboat Reviews

In a head-to-head comparison of entry level inboard cruisers, we think the lower price and practicality of the Catalina favors it over the glitter and gloss of the Beneteau.

1979 catalina sailboat

People who start in small boats and trade up often view 27 feet as some kind of milestone, and rightly so. At around 27 feet, an in­board engine and the possibility of standing headroom are enticing. Accommodations often become spacious enough for two couples or a family of four to live aboard for a couple of weeks without strain. And hull speed with appropriate sail and engine power typically permits average-weather runs of 35 to 40 miles in an 8-hour day—long enough legs to satisfy the wanderlust of most cruisers.

Two of the most popular 27-foot cruising boat designs are from Beneteau and Catalina, both huge builders. Beneteau bills itself as the largest sailboat company in the world; Catalina lays claim to being the largest in the U.S. The designs of both companies often set the tone for styling by other sailboat makers.

Catalina 270  vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

Checking out both boats in recent sales listings, we noticed their Euro-styled interior layouts are at least superfi­cially similar as well, as are hull and sail plan dimensions (see chart, courtesy of our friernds at Sailboatdata.com. Which boat, we wondered, is the better buy, and for whom?

Both the Beneteau and the Catalina utilize modern wide-body, fin-keel, spade-rudder configurations, relatively long waterlines, and moderate rigs with shrouds moved in­board to permit a nar­rower sheeting base. The Beneteau has a slightly shorter LOA but longer LWL (length waterline), and a nearly plumb bow. The 265’s draft is mid-range (4′ 2″ vs. the Catalina’s choice of 5′ 0″ deep fin or 3′ 6″ fin with wings).

Catalina 270  vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

Both test boats have inboards. Catal­ina does not offer an outboard option as it once did with its old 27. Catalina’s chief engineer, Gerry Douglas, doesn’t think it’s suitable for a 27- footer, especially one weighing 6,400 pounds-and, he says, neither did most buyers of Catalina 27s over the last several years. (Among other prob­lems, in a seaway an outboard prop tends to ventilate excessively).

Catalina 270  vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

Still, Beneteau, with a 4,800-lb. boat, offered an outboard version of the First 265 when the boat came out in the 90s, and rec­ommends a 9.9-hp. outboard for those who wish to go this route. So far, few buyers have. Beyond the ventilating prop problem, the reason is mostly economic: By the time Beneteau buyers acquire the outboard engine and associated paraphernalia, the dollar difference between inboard and outboard shrinks to around and those who opt for the outboard miss the shore power option and electric hot water heater option which Beneteau threw in” free” with the inboard pack­age.

The rigs of the two boats may ap­pear quite similar at first glance, but upon close inspection a number of important differences emerge.

Catalina 270  vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

Beneteau First 265Courtesy: Sailboatdata.com
Hull Type:Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type:Fractional Sloop
LOA:26.00 ft / 7.92 m
LWL:24.17 ft / 7.37 m
S.A. (reported):323.00 ft² / 30.01 m²
Beam:9.42 ft / 2.87 m
Displacement:4,800.00 lb / 2,177 kg
Ballast:1,430.00 lb / 649 kg
Max Draft:4.92 ft / 1.50 m
Construction:FG
Ballast Type:Iron
First Built:1990
Last Built:1997
# Built:520
Builder:Beneteau
Designer:Group Finot
Fuel:7 gals / 26 L
Water:10 gals / 38 L
S.A. / Displ.:18.21
Bal. / Displ.:29.79
Disp: / Len:151.76
Comfort Ratio:15.13
Capsize Screening Formula:2.24
S#:3.51
Hull Speed:6.59 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion:813.53 pounds/inch
I:31.33 ft / 9.55 m
J:10.07 ft / 3.07 m
P:30.51 ft / 9.30 m
E:10.82 ft / 3.30 m
S.A. Fore:157.75 ft² / 14.66 m²
S.A. Main:165.06 ft² / 15.33 m²
S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles):322.81 ft² / 29.99 m²
S.A./Displ. (calc.):18.2
Est. Forestay Length:32.91 ft / 10.03 m

The Beneteau features a seven­-eighths rig with single spreaders, adjustable split backstay, mast stepped on deck with compression strut in the cabin, and shrouds tied into a force grid molded into the cabin top via a set of studs threaded into a patented con­figuration involving stem balls set into bronze plates. (We’d prefer a set of conventional-and more easily ad­justable and replaceable turnbuckles.) The mast is stepped on a hinge for lowering the spar at bridges, trailer ramps, or for maintenance, but Beneteau says use of the hinge is not recommended without side-sway preventers- currently available as an option in Europe, but not in the U.S.

The Beneteau’s genoa sheets lead to cars riding on C-shaped aluminum tracks, which double as handrails, on the cabintop. It’s not easy to grab the tracks/rails, which require feeding your fingers through a narrow slot molded into the coach roof. We’d rather see separate handrails. We’d also prefer to see the Beneteau’s cockpit­ mounted mainsheet traveler track moved forward onto the cabintop (as the Catalina is configured), so crew moving from cockpit to cabin don’t have to dodge the mainsheet and car. But, unfortunately, moving the track forward isn’t feasible because of the long companionway bridge deck, which reaches forward beyond the boom’s midpoint.

Catalina 270  vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

Catalina 270 Courtesy: Sailboatdata.com
Hull Type:Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type:Masthead Sloop
LOA:28.33 ft / 8.63 m
LOD:27.00 ft / 8.23 m
LWL:23.75 ft / 7.24 m
S.A. (reported):316.00 ft² / 29.36 m²
Beam:9.83 ft / 3.00 m
Displacement:6,240.00 lb / 2,830 kg
Ballast:1,840.00 lb / 835 kg
Max Draft:5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Construction:FG
First Built:1992
Last Built:2007
Builder:Catalina Yachts (USA)
Designer:Gerry Douglas
Make:Perkins
Model:20
Type:Diesel
HP:18
Fuel:14 gals / 53 L
S.A. / Displ.:14.96
Bal. / Displ.:29.49
Disp: / Len:207.94
Comfort Ratio:18.28
Capsize Screening Formula:2.14
S#:2.38
Hull Speed:6.53 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion:834.19 pounds/inch
I:33.33 ft / 10.16 m
J:9.25 ft / 2.82 m
P:28.25 ft / 8.61 m
E:11.50 ft / 3.51 m
S.A. Fore:154.15 ft² / 14.32 m²
S.A. Main:162.44 ft² / 15.09 m²
S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles):316.59 ft² / 29.41 m²
S.A./Displ. (calc.):14.99
Est. Forestay Length:34.59 ft / 10.54 m
Mast Height from DWL:37.42 ft / 11.41 m
Notes
Wing keel:
- draft: 3.5'/1.07m.
- ballast: 2,060 lbs / 933 kg
- displacement: 6,460 lbs / 2,930 kg
Later models were available with a Yanmar 2GM20F motor.
LE (Luxury Edition) version also available.

The Catalina’s masthead rig, even with double spreaders (permitting use of a lighter spar than the Beneteau), is more conventional. Although the Catalina’s mast is shorter and its main­sail is smaller, the foretriangle height is two feet taller than the Beneteau’s, resulting in more total sail area when setting a big genoa.

The Catalina’s rig design strives for simplicity and ease of use (no backstay bridle ad­justment, no line-adjusted genoa car position as on the Beneteau). Helping to make sailing the Catalina a no-hassle experience is an impressive array of standard equip­ment not seen on the Beneteau: A double-ended mainsheet, adjustable either at a cam cleat on the traveler car or at a cabin top stopper, where a winch can be used; a pair of two-speed Lewmar self-tailing #30s (compared to Beneteau’s single speed #16s); a standard 135-percent genoa on a good ­quality Hood single-line furler (compared to Beneteau’s standard 100-percent jib and furler hardware available only as an option); a total of five cabintop rope clutches (vs. three for the Beneteau); Dutchman mainsail flaking sys­tem; and single-line reefing (though our Catalina test boat did not have single-line reefing rigged).

Other features on deck also favor the Catalina. Working aft from the bow: The welded pulpit, like the stan­chions, is 1-inch stainless steel tubing (vs. the Beneteau’s 7/8-inch), has two horizontal rails (vs. one for the Beneteau) and four legs (three for the Beneteau). There are twin anchor rollers at the stemhead (one on the Beneteau). Both boats have anchor lockers built into the forward deck, but the Beneteau’ s locker has a water tank fill cap in its bottom. This can make it extremely inconvenient to fill the tank when line and chain are piled over the cap. And the combination bow light is mounted directly behind and partly obscured by the center support of the pulpit.

Moving further aft, the Catalina’s six stanchions are fitted with double lifelines and, being 24-3/4 inches off the deck, give a good measure of security. In con­trast, the Beneteau has only four stanchions, less than 18 inches high, with sin­gle lifelines. The low lifelines are at “tripping height,” and while the scale may be aesthetically pleasing, safety is compromised.

The cockpits on both boats have comfortably high, canted coamings and angled seats. The Catalina’s cockpit is noticeably roomier, due not only to the absence of a cockpit traveler, but also to the placement of the wheel way aft, with an athwartships helm seat 5 feet wide-big enough for three for cocktails at the mooring. On the Catalina, there’s room for nine at the dock, as big a cockpit as could be desired in this size boat. And that doesn’t include a pair of “observation seats” built into each corner of the push pit.

In contrast, the Beneteau seats no more than seven at the dock, and that assumes that one passenger is seated atop the traveler and the tiller is swung up out of the way.

We have no objection to tillers-in fact we generally prefer them in this size boat—provided there’s no no­ticeable drag in the rudder tube and that the forward end is a comfortable height over the sole.

Catalina chose Edson for its 32-inch stainless steel destroyer wheel on a pedestal, a brand we associate with high quality and reliability. The size and placement is good for steering from either a sitting or standing posi­tion; brake and compass binnacle (4- inch Danforth Constellation) are stan­dard; pedestal-mounted brackets for additional instruments such as depth sounder and speedo are extra.

The Beneteau’s compass is option­al, mounted along with any other op­tional instruments on the cabinhouse bulkhead, a better position for crew viewing but not as good for the helms­man.

Both boats have swim platforms and stainless swing-down swim ladders. The Catalina easily wins the Ladder Sweepstakes with a four-step, 24-inch wide ladder with flat plastic treads, compared to the Beneteau’s three-step, 8-1/2-inch wide ladder with treads only 1-1/4-inch wide, made by flattening the stainless tubing a bit.

The Catalina’s ladder swings up to form the center part of the push pit, a clever and neat-looking design. The Beneteau ropes off the transom area with a length of lifeline and a pelican hook.

Both swim platforms are molded into “sugar-scoop” transoms, and both are elevated 9 inches off the water, with a bit of transom projecting below.

CONSTRUCTION

Both boats utilize external bolt-on lead keels, suitably thick fiberglass lay-up schedules, solid glass hulls and balsa­cored decks, with reasonably stout hull-deck connections. Both have highly engineered force grids molded into their hull liners, of particular note since the shrouds in both boats lead not to traditional chainplates but to intermediate tie rods that in turn are joined to metal plates for the most part hidden behind interior liners. On both boats we would prefer better inspection ports to view these crucial connections.

On both boats, the pulpits and stanchions are fastened to the deck with a single large threaded stud, projecting down through the deck and secured with a large washer and nut. Four through-bolts and large backing plates to distribute the load would be better.

Deck hardware (blocks, tracks, hatches, ports) on the Catalina is mostly made by Garhauer, Nibo, and Beck­son, all vendors noted for producing decent-quality but low-cost equip­ment. On the Beneteau, Harken, Spin­lock, and Lewmar are predominant and, in our opinion, something of an upgrade. As already mentioned, both boats use Lewmar winches. We judged all branded hardware on both boats to be of acceptable quality.

The interior layouts on the two boats are quite similar: a large double-berth aft, galley to port next to the compan­ionway, head opposite the galley, U­-shaped dining area around a smallish table supported by the mast compres­sion post with a V-berth forward. (See line drawings.)

Catalina 270  vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

All berths on both boats have com­fortable 4-inch cushions. The aft berth on the Beneteau measures 60″ x 77″, and you sleep parallel to the keel; the Catalina is slightly narrower at 57 inches wide, is 74 inches to 86 inches long depending on which side you’re on, and you sleep athwartships. We wouldn’t be inclined to sleep two in either aft berth, since the inside party not only doesn’t have much vertical roll-over room due to incursion of the cockpit sole, but also must crawl over the outside party to get up.

Catalina 270  vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

Neither the Catalina nor the Beneteau forward berths have these prob­lems. On the Beneteau, you can lower the table and set up the berth without undue commotion; but setting up the Catalina berth involves a lot of fussy positioning of the raised forward seat and locking it in place with a pair of hard-to-reach latches.

The forward berth on the Beneteau measures 19 inches at the front, 76 inches at the back, and is 88 inches long. On the Catalina it’s 10 inches at the front, 68 inches at the back, and 75 inches long. Tall folks will appreciate the larger Beneteau berth.

The Beneteau has the edge on locker space, with three separate hanging lockers (including one open-air unit in the head), and a liquor cabinet under what a Beneteau brochure de­scribes as a nav station.  Still, this small horizontal surface gives the galley slave some countertop space. The Catalina also suffers from lack of sufficient galley top work­ing space…one of the compromises you’ll find in boats of this size range.

The use of maintenance-hungry exterior wood has been completely eliminated on the Catalina, and min­imized on the Beneteau except for the companionway drop slides (King Star­Board plastic on the Catalina, nicely varnished cherry-veneer plywood on the Beneteau). Below, both boats use some wood to visually warm up the otherwise mostly white interior. The surface is totally fiberglass on the Catalina, but on the Beneteau, soft white foam­-backed vinyl lines the upper halves of the hull sides. .

Catalina 270  vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

Catalina’s use of wood is sparing (varnished teak doors and trim, teak dining table, small patch of maple and teak sole forward), while Beneteau’s is lavish (varnished cherry bulkheads and trim, full teak sole). The wood is set off on both boats by neatly made upholstery on berths and settees, on the Catalina by a combination of Ultrasuede-like material and light pat­terned cotton fabrics, on the Beneteau by a practical and soft dark green velvet.

The Beneteau interior gives an impression of good craftsmanship with a dark though pleasant­ly airy cabin. On the Catalina, the impression is of a more basic, but much lighter and equally airy boat. The Catalina’s lightness is helped by a skylight of milk-white Plexiglas (two layers thick) aft of the mast, and more area in the main cabin ports. For ven­tilation, the Catalina has six opening ports plus a forward hatch, while the Beneteau has eight plus a forward hatch. Screens for the ports (but not for either the forward or main hatch) are standard on both the Catalina and the Beneteau. Neither boat has a roll­up sunshade over the forward hatch, which would be a nice touch.

PERFORMANCE

We did our testing on the Manatee River off Palmetto, Florida. Both boats seemed quite stiff, well balanced, and very responsive to the helm. Both could be spun in more or less their own length. The day we sailed the Beneteau, it was blowing 15 knots steadily and 20 in gusts, and the 265 heeled not more than 25 degrees close-hauled with full sail. This impressed us. So did the Catalina, which was at least as stable on a breezier day (wind 20-25, occasional gusts to 30) with full sail, only burying the rail once in a particularly vicious wind burst. In short, we wouldn’t hesitate to sail either boat in dusty weather.

Though hard to judge in such strong, shifting winds, we think the Beneteau had the edge in sailing speed, as her specifications would indicate. Un­der power, however, her smaller engine and prop (single-cylinder, 9-hp., 26-CID Volvo, 15 x 12 optional fold­ing prop) was definitely not as effective upwind as the Catalina’s (three-­cylinder, 18-hp, 3 7-CID Perkins, two-­blade 13 x 10 prop). The Catalina’s Perkins also was smoother and quiet­er, despite the fact that its engine box (two removable clam-shells back to back, of fiberglass-foam sandwich construction) had no added insula­tion, while the Beneteau’s plywood box was lined with soft foam. Engine and shaft log access was very good on the Beneteau, superb on the Catalina.

At the moment, PHRF for the Beneteau is 168. The Catalina’s is 198.

THE BOTTOM LINE

To some extent, the choice between the Beneteau 265 and the Catalina 270 is a trade off between elegant French styling on the one hand, and no-non­sense American practicality on the other.

The choice comes down to the Beneteau’s lighter hull with quicker acceleration, and the Catalina’s equal­ly maneuverable but heavier hull with greater load-carrying capacity and liv­ing space below.

All boats are compromises, and personal taste and prejudices do enter the picture. That said, we admit to a clear preference for the Catalina. We especially like the lightness and bright­ness of its interior, enhanced by nu­merous large ports and an overhead skylight. Most of all, we like the Catal­ina’s greater value for the money-not just because the overall price is about 10 percent lower than a comparable Beneteau, but because of the better choice of standard items. For example, note the differences between some of the Beneteau’s items and the Catal­ina’s: 9-hp. raw-water-cooled engine vs. 18-hp. freshwater-cooled; no en­gine tach or fuel gauge vs. both stan­dard; 8.25-gallon fuel tank vs. 14 gal­lons; 16.25-gallon water tank vs. 26 gallons; holding tank 11.5 gallons vs. 18; single-speed #16 self-tailing Lewmars vs. two-speed #30 STs; a 1.6- gpm Shurflo pressure water pump vs. a 2.8-gpm Shurflo pump: a gimbaled two-burner non-pressure alcohol stove vs. a gimbaled two-burner LPG stove, and so on.

The Catalina is heavier, more stable, roomier, and better equipped. The Beneteau has more stowage lockers, faster acceleration, and French-flavored rather than California ­flavored Eurostyle. Both boats do well in heavy air. Neither is a racehorse likely to win much in competition. Neither wins the prize as the ultimate low-cost 27-footer, though the Catalina 270 may come close. Now if Catalina had only installed a good-size hanging locker, put in more working counter surface in the galley, make it easier to make up the forward berth…

Catalina 270  vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

Beneteau First 265/Catalina 270
1993 Beneteau First 265Murray Yacht Sales
$14,000 (985) 789-4210
New Orleans LA
1994 Beneteau First 265Colorado Sail and YC
Price on request(970) 531-9008
Grand Lake CO
1995 Catalina 270Snug Harbor Boats
$26,950770-790-5261
Buford GA
1995 Catalina 270Murray Yacht Sales
$21,900985-789-4210
Dallas TX

Catalina 270  vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

This review was first published November 23, 2015 and has been updated.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Excellent comparison on both boats. I have been looking at the B & C and your article cleared up many questions I had.

Having owned a Catalina 270 for about 8 years now, and having upgraded most of the systems to reasonably current technology, we’d say this boat is a pleasure to sail. The only rea downsides are a lack of storage, (to be expected in a 27 footer) and the steering gear cover in the aft berth. It’s really annoying.

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  • Sailboat Guide

1979 catalina sailboat

1991 Catalina 28

  • Description

Seller's Description

The Catalina 28 is a capable small cruiser, perfect for exploring the Puget Sound and beyond. With comfortable accommodations for 4, this boat feels much bigger than 28 feet.

MOON DANCE is in true turn key condition. Since 2021 many systems aboard have been updated, improved or replaced. Ranging from updated LED lighting, new head and galley faucets up to a full refit of the mast and standing rigging. MOON DANCE also includes a well maintained 18 hp Universal Diesel engine, with a freshly rebuilt transmission and new motor mounts. MOON DANCE is the tall rig version of the Catalina 28 and has a set of North sails including a Full Batten Main, 140% Roller Furling Jib (both new in July of 2022), and a Gennaker (new in June of 2023) for those down-wind days.

Please reach out for a full list of upgrades or with any other questions.

Equipment: Rigging All halyards, reefing lines, sheets, and control lines are run into the cockpit, for safety and ease of sailing short handed. Work Completed 7/2022 Mast removal with full inspection of standing rigging New masthead sheaves New running rigging New anchor and steaming lights New leather spreader boots New life lines

Sails North Fully battened Mainsail, New 7/2022 North Roller furling 140% Genoa, New 7/2022 North Gennaker, New 6/2023 Working Jib, cleaned and stitching repairs, 7/2022

Winches 2 Lewmar #30 Self Tailing 1 Lewmar #16 Self Tailing 1 Lewmar #7 2 Bariant #10P

On Deck: Dodger Lazy Jacks Boom Tent Cockpit Table Swim ladder Propane BBQ

Below: Hillerange Propane Stove/Oven Dickinson Newport Propane Cabin Heater Jabsco Head Boss AM/FM Bluetooth Stereo Insulated Ice box Shower with Sump 2 double berths 2 single berths

Navigation and Electronics: Richie Compass Raymarine ST6002 Smart Pilot Controller with wheel drive (New 8/2022) Autohelm TriData Depth/Speed West Marine VHF 585 Prosport 12 Battery Charger (2) 12v Batteries (2) Propane Tanks

Ground Tackle: Claw Anchor 11ft 5/16 of Galvanized Chain and 150 ft of in. Rode Danforth Type Spare Anchor: 8kg

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Winged Keel vers. disp.:8200 bal.:3500 draft:4.5’. CATALINA 28 MKII introduced in 1995. Tall mast version: I: 39.50’ / 12.04m J: 10.80’ / 3.29m P: 34.00’ / 10.36m E: 10.75’ / 3.28m

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Cruising World Logo

Catalina Introduces the 6 Series

  • By Cruising World Staff
  • September 4, 2024

Catalina 6 Series

Catalina Yachts has just introduced its 6 Series, which includes four models that are being designed and built in the United States. The 6 Series is set to premiere at the Annapolis Sailboat Show as a 2024-25 Cruising World Boat of the Year nominee.

The Catalina 6 Series includes a 316, 356, 386 and 426. According to the builder, this series “represents the culmination of extensive research, innovative design and valuable feedback from our dedicated sailing community of owners and dealers.”

Catalina says its team started working on the 6 Series back in spring 2023, when the shipyard decided to update its keel shapes. Designers worked with Mars Metal to enhance hydrodynamics in a way that would attain superior lift and reduced drag.

The updated keel designs, Catalina says, improve speed and handling along with stability and safety, making the 6 Series models suitable for sailors of all skill levels.

Another major change with the 6 Series is the introduction of a new Selden rig that’s intended to maximize performance and ease of use. It’s lighter and stronger than previous versions, allowing for what Catalina says is more precise sail control, improved aerodynamics and increased overall efficiency.

Catalina 6 Series

Catalina also worked on the Series 6 models with Garhauer, Edson, Sensar, Webasto, Southco, Doyle, Lewmar and Dometic. And, the shipyard says, the development of this series was “heavily influenced” by feedback from consumers—including surveys on the company’s app.

“This feedback helped us identify the features and improvements that our customers wanted to see in our updated models,” the company stated. “We are proud to say that the 6 Series reflects the desires and expectations of our loyal sailors.

Features on the Catalina Series 6 sailboats also include: Multiaxial fiberglass for a stronger laminate and stiffer structure, including use of carbon fiber in select locations and assemblies; a Group 31 starting battery for added capacity and capability; a Sensar Marine monitoring system as standard equipment; new diesel heating options for extending the sailing season; and Butler Explorer steering pedestals for enhanced ergonomics.

Where to learn more: visit catalinayachts.com .

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Catalina Catalina 22



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1979 catalina sailboat

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IMAGES

  1. Catalina 27, 1979, Detroit area (Lake St Clair), Michigan, sailboat for

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. CATALINA 30

    With more than 6000 sold, the Catalina 30 is one of the most successful production sailing yachts in history. During the long production run of this basic model there were a great number of variations with standard and tall rig configurations, each with a bowsprit option, and also including shoal, wing and deep fin keels. […]

  2. 1979 Catalina C-30 Racer/Cruiser for sale

    The Catalina C-30 is a well known sailboat with a modern, efficient hull and spacious accommodations making it a friendly racer/cruiser. She is one of the most popular models in the Catalina Line. ... 1979 Catalina C-30. US$19,600. IslaNavidad Marina, Mexico. 1984 Peterson Spindrift. US$60,000. Nuevo Nayarit, Mexico. 1984 Sparkman & Stephens Aura.

  3. 1979 Catalina 30 Sloop for sale

    Boat Details. Description. This is a very nice 30' sloop with good bones! The Catalina is a well known sailboat with a modern, efficient hull and spacious accommodations making it a friendly racer/cruiser. This vessel has an assumable slip in the Everett Marina. Compass, VHF, Garmin GPS and depthsounder, stove/oven, top-load ice box, manual ...

  4. 1979 Catalina 30

    With more than 6000 sold, the Catalina 30 is one of the most successful production sailing yachts in history. During the long production run of this basic model there were a great number of variations with standard and tall rig configurations, each with a bowsprit option, and also including shoal, wing and deep fin keels.

  5. 1979 Catalina 30 Boats for sale

    8 new and used 1979 Catalina 30 boats for sale at smartmarineguide.com

  6. 1979 Catalina 30 sailboat for sale in Oregon

    1979 30' Catalina 30 sailboat for sale in Portland Oregon

  7. 1979 Catalina 30 Long Beach, California

    The 30 Catalina! These boats are wonderful for a family's 1st. boat, or great for an experienced sailor. Whether racing around buoys on Wednesday nights or spending the weekend at the islands, she can do them both just fine. ... 1979 Catalina 30. Long Beach, California $14,000 Request Info. Priced for quick sale!! ...

  8. 1979 Catalina 30, Long Beach California

    Catalina 30 for sale in Long Beach California. View pictures and details of this boat or search for more Catalina boats for sale on boats.com.

  9. 1979 Catalina 30 TR sailboat for sale in North Carolina

    Show all sailboats for sale under: 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 70 80 (feet LOA) | Multihulls: Catamarans Trimarans

  10. 1979 Catalina 25

    Located in Pigeon, Michigan, this 25-foot 1979 Catalina sailboat is the perfect vessel for a day of sailing. Manufactured by Catalina Yachts, the sailboat is part of a range of vessels that vary in size and luxury, perfect for any type of sailing venture. The Catalina 25 is a popular sailboat, known for its durability and stability.

  11. CATALINA 25

    The most popular sailboat (in this size range) ever built in the US. Dimensions shown here are for the standard rig (pre-1988). A swing keel version was also available: draft (max.) 5.0′ (min.) 2.66′; ballast 1,500lbs; displacement 4,150 lbs. Wing keel version: draft 2.83'/.86m; ballast 1,750 lbs; displacement 4,400 lbs TALL RIG: Listed SA = […]

  12. 1979 Catalina 30 Racer/Cruiser for sale

    The 30 Catalina! These boats are wonderful for a family's 1st. boat, or great for an experienced sailor. Whether racing around buoys on Wednesday nights or spending the weekend at the islands, she can do them both just fine. This one appears to be well loved and maintained. She has Wheel Steering, Universal Atomic 4 gas engine, and Autopilot.

  13. 1979 Catalina Yachts Prices & Values

    Founded by Frank Butler in 1970, Catalina Yachts business is solely based on sailboats. Ranging in size for day sailors to lavish vacation yachts, the company's sailboats are designed to handle the rigors of real-world sailing environments.

  14. Catalina 27 Used Boat Review

    Catalina 27 Used Boat Review. With a production run of more than 20 years and over 6,600 boats produced, the Catalina 27 surely ranks as the most popular cruising sailboat built to date. Like Cal Ripken's consecutive game streak or the transatlantic crossing record, this record will also likely be broken again someday but it's hard to ...

  15. 1979 Catalina 27 sailboat for sale in California

    1979 26.5' Catalina 27 sailboat for sale in Dana Point Harbor California

  16. 1979 Catalina 30 sailboat for sale in Connecticut

    11'. 5'. Connecticut. $12,500. Description: (CT) 30 CATALINA C-30 1979 Interior is standard V-berth, Garmin 730 GPS Plotter, double aft bunk, U-shaped galley with double sink, nav-station with chart table and light. Galley has Orego, 2-burner alcohol stove and ice box. Headroom is 6ft 2in. Sails, full battened main and 150 RF Genny.

  17. Catalina 270 vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

    Both boats have swim platforms and stainless swing-down swim ladders. The Catalina easily wins the Ladder Sweepstakes with a four-step, 24-inch wide ladder with flat plastic treads, compared to the Beneteau's three-step, 8-1/2-inch wide ladder with treads only 1-1/4-inch wide, made by flattening the stainless tubing a bit.

  18. CATALINA 27

    The CATALINA 27 is one of several models from this builder that has achieved historic popularity. In it's first 3 years of production nearly 1500 boats were sold. Total production was 6662 hulls. Offered originally with a std. outboard well, in 1973, Catalina offered an inboard Atomic 4 engine as an option and over the […]

  19. Catalina 38 boats for sale

    Find Catalina 38 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Catalina boats to choose from.

  20. 1989 Catalina 34 Sailboat

    Overall, the Catalina is in solid, ready-to-sail condition that only needs some TLC for minor cosmetic projects. LOA: 34.6 ft LWL: 29.10 ft Beam: 11.9 ft Draft: 5.7 ft Displacement: 11,950 lbs Ballast: 5,000 lbs Fuel Capacity: 25 gal - Tall Rig / Sloop Rigging / Wheel Steering / Fin Keel

  21. Catalina Yachts

    Founded by Frank Butler. In sheer numbers sold, Catalina Yachts is certainly the most successful builder of sailboats ever in the US, and possibly the world. Time line extract from the company's website: July 1969-Catalina's first model, the Catalina 22, is built in North Hollywood, CA. Company owner Frank Butler hopes to build 100 boats if all goes well. March 1970-Catalina's second ...

  22. 1991 Catalina 28

    The Catalina 28 is a capable small cruiser, perfect for exploring the Puget Sound and beyond. With comfortable accommodations for 4, this boat feels much bigger than 28 feet. ... Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay). D: ...

  23. CATALINA 38

    Based on an earlier S&S design; (YANKEE 38-S&S #2094). The molds were purchased when Yankee Yachts went out of business. Among the modifications to the original design: new deck and coach roof, taller rig, and balanced spade rudder. Shoal draft version: 4.90'/1.49m

  24. Catalina Introduces the 6 Series

    Courtesy Catalina Yachts. Catalina Yachts has just introduced its 6 Series, which includes four models that are being designed and built in the United States. The 6 Series is set to premiere at the Annapolis Sailboat Show as a 2024-25 Cruising World Boat of the Year nominee. The Catalina 6 Series includes a 316, 356, 386 and 426.

  25. catalina sailboats for sale by owner.

    catalina preowned sailboats for sale by owner. catalina used sailboats for sale by owner.

  26. 1979 Catalina 30 tall rig sailboat for sale in Florida

    1979 30' Catalina 30 tall rig sailboat for sale in Punta Gorda Florida

  27. 1979 Catalina Catalina 22 sailboat for sale in Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania. $4,000. Description: Catalina 22. New main sail 2016 with very little use, storm jib, jib, genoa. Swing keel refurbished with new hardware 2014. With trailer. Title for both boat and trailer. Ready to sail and have fun.