Capri 16 vs Catalina 309
How do the Capri 16 and Catalina 309 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Capri 16 
Catalina 309 | Capri 16 | Catalina 309 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.5 ft5.03 m | 32.8 ft9.98 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 26.5 ft8.08 m |
| Beam | 6.9 ft2.11 m | 11.5 ft3.51 m |
| Draft | 2.4 ft0.74 m | 6.3 ft1.91 m |
| Displacement | 1,350 lb612 kg | 9,800 lb4,445 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Sail area | 138 ft²12.8 m² | 523 ft²48.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.08 | 18.27 |
| Displacement / Length | 162 | 235 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.0 | 20.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.50 | 2.15 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.9 |
Capri 16 vs Catalina 309: the short version
- The Catalina 309 is the larger boat at 32.8 ft9.98 m LOA versus 16.5 ft5.03 m for the Capri 16.
- The Catalina 309 is heavier, displacing about 626% 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 18.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 309 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 309 rates better for offshore work (2.15 vs 2.50).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.