Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 30
How do the Catalina 16.5 and Catalina 30 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 30 | Catalina 16.5 | Catalina 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 29.9 ft9.12 m |
| Waterline length | 15.7 ft4.78 m | 25.0 ft7.62 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 10.8 ft3.30 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 430 lb195 kg | 10,200 lb4,627 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 4,250 lb1,928 kg |
| Sail area | 150 ft²13.9 m² | 437 ft²40.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 42.13 | 14.87 |
| Displacement / Length | 50 | 291 |
| Comfort ratio | 3.1 | 24.9 |
| Capsize screening | 3.71 | 2.00 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.7 |
Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 30: the short version
- The Catalina 30 is the larger boat at 29.9 ft9.12 m LOA versus 16.3 ft4.98 m for the Catalina 16.5.
- The Catalina 30 is heavier, displacing about 2272% 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 14.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 30 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 30 rates better for offshore work (2.00 vs 3.71).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.