Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 309
How do the Catalina 16.5 and Catalina 309 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 309 | Catalina 16.5 | Catalina 309 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 32.8 ft9.98 m |
| Waterline length | 15.7 ft4.78 m | 26.5 ft8.08 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 11.5 ft3.51 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 6.3 ft1.91 m |
| Displacement | 430 lb195 kg | 9,800 lb4,445 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Sail area | 150 ft²13.9 m² | 523 ft²48.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 42.13 | 18.27 |
| Displacement / Length | 50 | 235 |
| Comfort ratio | 3.1 | 20.6 |
| Capsize screening | 3.71 | 2.15 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.9 |
Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 309: the short version
- The Catalina 309 is the larger boat at 32.8 ft9.98 m LOA versus 16.3 ft4.98 m for the Catalina 16.5.
- The Catalina 309 is heavier, displacing about 2179% 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 18.3), 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 3.71).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.