Baymaster 18 vs Catalina 18
How do the Baymaster 18 and Catalina 18 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Baymaster 18 
Catalina 18 | Baymaster 18 | Catalina 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.9 ft5.46 m | 18.0 ft5.49 m |
| Waterline length | 15.0 ft4.57 m | 16.3 ft4.98 m |
| Beam | 6.9 ft2.11 m | 7.6 ft2.31 m |
| Draft | 4.0 ft1.22 m | 2.3 ft0.71 m |
| Displacement | 850 lb386 kg | 1,500 lb680 kg |
| Ballast | 150 lb68 kg | 425 lb193 kg |
| Sail area | 146 ft²13.6 m² | 151 ft²14.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 26.03 | 18.44 |
| Displacement / Length | 112 | 154 |
| Comfort ratio | 6.3 | 9.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.92 | 2.65 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.2 | 5.4 |
Baymaster 18 vs Catalina 18: the short version
- The Baymaster 18 and Catalina 18 are close in length (17.9 ft5.46 m vs 18.0 ft5.49 m ).
- The Catalina 18 is heavier, displacing about 76% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Baymaster 18 carries the more powerful rig (26.0 vs 18.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 18 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 18 rates better for offshore work (2.65 vs 2.92).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.