Catalina 309 vs Catalina 320
How do the Catalina 309 and Catalina 320 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 309 
Catalina 320 | Catalina 309 | Catalina 320 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 32.8 ft9.98 m | 32.5 ft9.91 m |
| Waterline length | 26.5 ft8.08 m | 28.0 ft8.53 m |
| Beam | 11.5 ft3.51 m | 11.8 ft3.58 m |
| Draft | 6.3 ft1.91 m | 6.5 ft1.97 m |
| Displacement | 9,800 lb4,445 kg | 11,300 lb5,126 kg |
| Ballast | 4,000 lb1,814 kg | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Sail area | 523 ft²48.6 m² | 520 ft²48.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.27 | 16.52 |
| Displacement / Length | 235 | 230 |
| Comfort ratio | 20.6 | 22.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.15 | 2.09 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.9 | 7.1 |
Catalina 309 vs Catalina 320: the short version
- The Catalina 309 and Catalina 320 are close in length (32.8 ft9.98 m vs 32.5 ft9.91 m ).
- The Catalina 320 is heavier, displacing about 15% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Catalina 309 carries the more powerful rig (18.3 vs 16.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 320 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 320 rates better for offshore work (2.09 vs 2.15).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.