Capri 16 vs Catalina 270
How do the Capri 16 and Catalina 270 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Capri 16 
Catalina 270 | Capri 16 | Catalina 270 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.5 ft5.03 m | 27.0 ft8.23 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 23.0 ft7.01 m |
| Beam | 6.9 ft2.11 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 2.4 ft0.74 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 1,350 lb612 kg | 6,400 lb2,903 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | 2,000 lb907 kg |
| Sail area | 138 ft²12.8 m² | 319 ft²29.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.08 | 14.81 |
| Displacement / Length | 162 | 235 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.0 | 19.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.50 | 2.12 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.4 |
Capri 16 vs Catalina 270: the short version
- The Catalina 270 is the larger boat at 27.0 ft8.23 m LOA versus 16.5 ft5.03 m for the Capri 16.
- The Catalina 270 is heavier, displacing about 374% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Capri 16 carries the more powerful rig (18.1 vs 14.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 270 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 270 rates better for offshore work (2.12 vs 2.50).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.