Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 310
How do the Catalina 16.5 and Catalina 310 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 310 | Catalina 16.5 | Catalina 310 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 31.0 ft9.45 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 | 5.8 ft1.75 m |
| Displacement | 430 lb195 kg | 10,300 lb4,672 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Sail area | 150 ft²13.9 m² | 493 ft²45.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 42.13 | 16.66 |
| Displacement / Length | 50 | 247 |
| Comfort ratio | 3.1 | 22.1 |
| Capsize screening | 3.71 | 2.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.9 |
Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 310: the short version
- The Catalina 310 is the larger boat at 31.0 ft9.45 m LOA versus 16.3 ft4.98 m for the Catalina 16.5.
- The Catalina 310 is heavier, displacing about 2295% 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 16.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 310 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 310 rates better for offshore work (2.11 vs 3.71).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.