Capri 26 vs Catalina 38
How do the Capri 26 and Catalina 38 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Capri 26 | Capri 26 | Catalina 38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.2 ft7.97 m | 39.1 ft11.91 m |
| Waterline length | 22.9 ft6.99 m | 30.3 ft9.22 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 11.8 ft3.61 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.47 m | 6.8 ft2.07 m |
| Displacement | 5,250 lb2,381 kg | 15,900 lb7,212 kg |
| Ballast | 1,900 lb862 kg | 6,850 lb3,107 kg |
| Sail area | 296 ft²27.5 m² | 639 ft²59.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.68 | 16.17 |
| Displacement / Length | 195 | 256 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.2 | 27.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.26 | 1.88 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 7.4 |
Capri 26 vs Catalina 38: the short version
- The Catalina 38 is the larger boat at 39.1 ft11.91 m LOA versus 26.2 ft7.97 m for the Capri 26.
- The Catalina 38 is heavier, displacing about 203% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Catalina 38 carries the more powerful rig (16.2 vs 15.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 38 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 38 rates better for offshore work (1.88 vs 2.26).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.