Capri 26 vs Catalina 309
How do the Capri 26 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 26 
Catalina 309 | Capri 26 | Catalina 309 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.2 ft7.97 m | 32.8 ft9.98 m |
| Waterline length | 22.9 ft6.99 m | 26.5 ft8.08 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 11.5 ft3.51 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.47 m | 6.3 ft1.91 m |
| Displacement | 5,250 lb2,381 kg | 9,800 lb4,445 kg |
| Ballast | 1,900 lb862 kg | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Sail area | 296 ft²27.5 m² | 523 ft²48.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.68 | 18.27 |
| Displacement / Length | 195 | 235 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.2 | 20.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.26 | 2.15 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.9 |
Capri 26 vs Catalina 309: the short version
- The Catalina 309 is the larger boat at 32.8 ft9.98 m LOA versus 26.2 ft7.97 m for the Capri 26.
- The Catalina 309 is heavier, displacing about 87% 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 15.7), 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 2.26).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.