Catalina 38 vs Catalina 470
How do the Catalina 38 and Catalina 470 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 38 | Catalina 38 | Catalina 470 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 39.1 ft11.91 m | 47.7 ft14.53 m |
| Waterline length | 30.3 ft9.22 m | 42.0 ft12.80 m |
| Beam | 11.8 ft3.61 m | 14.0 ft4.27 m |
| Draft | 6.8 ft2.07 m | 7.8 ft2.39 m |
| Displacement | 15,900 lb7,212 kg | 27,000 lb12,247 kg |
| Ballast | 6,850 lb3,107 kg | 8,800 lb3,992 kg |
| Sail area | 639 ft²59.4 m² | 1,010 ft²93.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.17 | 17.96 |
| Displacement / Length | 256 | 163 |
| Comfort ratio | 27.8 | 28.4 |
| Capsize screening | 1.88 | 1.87 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 8.7 |
Catalina 38 vs Catalina 470: the short version
- The Catalina 470 is the larger boat at 47.7 ft14.53 m LOA versus 39.1 ft11.91 m for the Catalina 38.
- The Catalina 470 is heavier, displacing about 70% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Catalina 470 carries the more powerful rig (18.0 vs 16.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 470 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 470 rates better for offshore work (1.87 vs 1.88).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.