Bahama 30 vs Catalina 30
How do the Bahama 30 and Catalina 30 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Bahama 30 
Catalina 30 | Bahama 30 | Catalina 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 29.9 ft9.12 m | 29.9 ft9.12 m |
| Waterline length | 24.6 ft7.49 m | 25.0 ft7.62 m |
| Beam | 10.0 ft3.05 m | 10.8 ft3.30 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 8,230 lb3,733 kg | 10,200 lb4,627 kg |
| Ballast | 3,130 lb1,420 kg | 4,250 lb1,928 kg |
| Sail area | 450 ft²41.8 m² | 437 ft²40.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.66 | 14.87 |
| Displacement / Length | 247 | 291 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.6 | 24.9 |
| Capsize screening | 1.98 | 2.00 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.7 |
Bahama 30 vs Catalina 30: the short version
- The Bahama 30 and Catalina 30 are close in length (29.9 ft9.12 m vs 29.9 ft9.12 m ).
- The Catalina 30 is heavier, displacing about 24% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Bahama 30 carries the more powerful rig (17.7 vs 14.9), 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 Bahama 30 rates better for offshore work (1.98 vs 2.00).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.