Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 22
How do the Catalina 16.5 and Catalina 22 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 16.5 
Catalina 22 | Catalina 16.5 | Catalina 22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 21.5 ft6.55 m |
| Waterline length | 15.7 ft4.78 m | 19.3 ft5.89 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 7.7 ft2.34 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 430 lb195 kg | 2,490 lb1,129 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 450 lb204 kg |
| Sail area | 150 ft²13.9 m² | 205 ft²19.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 42.13 | 17.85 |
| Displacement / Length | 50 | 154 |
| Comfort ratio | 3.1 | 12.8 |
| Capsize screening | 3.71 | 2.26 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 5.9 |
Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 22: the short version
- The Catalina 22 is the larger boat at 21.5 ft6.55 m LOA versus 16.3 ft4.98 m for the Catalina 16.5.
- The Catalina 22 is heavier, displacing about 479% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Catalina 16.5 carries the more powerful rig (42.1 vs 17.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 22 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 22 rates better for offshore work (2.26 vs 3.71).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.