Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 275 Sport
How do the Catalina 16.5 and Catalina 275 Sport 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 275 Sport | Catalina 16.5 | Catalina 275 Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 27.5 ft8.38 m |
| Waterline length | 15.7 ft4.78 m | 26.6 ft8.10 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 8.5 ft2.59 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 5.2 ft1.59 m |
| Displacement | 430 lb195 kg | 5,000 lb2,268 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 2,040 lb925 kg |
| Sail area | 150 ft²13.9 m² | 336 ft²31.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 42.13 | 18.39 |
| Displacement / Length | 50 | 119 |
| Comfort ratio | 3.1 | 16.6 |
| Capsize screening | 3.71 | 1.99 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.9 |
Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 275 Sport: the short version
- The Catalina 275 Sport is the larger boat at 27.5 ft8.38 m LOA versus 16.3 ft4.98 m for the Catalina 16.5.
- The Catalina 275 Sport is heavier, displacing about 1063% 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 18.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 275 Sport scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 275 Sport rates better for offshore work (1.99 vs 3.71).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.