Catalina 28 vs Catalina 30
How do the Catalina 28 and Catalina 30 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 28 
Catalina 30 | Catalina 28 | Catalina 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 29.4 ft8.97 m | 29.9 ft9.12 m |
| Waterline length | 23.8 ft7.26 m | 25.0 ft7.62 m |
| Beam | 10.3 ft3.15 m | 10.8 ft3.30 m |
| Draft | 5.2 ft1.57 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 8,300 lb3,765 kg | 10,200 lb4,627 kg |
| Ballast | 3,200 lb1,451 kg | 4,250 lb1,928 kg |
| Sail area | 369 ft²34.3 m² | 437 ft²40.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.40 | 14.87 |
| Displacement / Length | 274 | 291 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.4 | 24.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.04 | 2.00 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 6.7 |
Catalina 28 vs Catalina 30: the short version
- The Catalina 30 is the larger boat at 29.9 ft9.12 m LOA versus 29.4 ft8.97 m for the Catalina 28.
- The Catalina 30 is heavier, displacing about 23% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Catalina 30 carries the more powerful rig (14.9 vs 14.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 30 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 30 rates better for offshore work (2.00 vs 2.04).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.