Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 34
How do the Catalina 16.5 and Catalina 34 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 34 | Catalina 16.5 | Catalina 34 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 34.5 ft10.52 m |
| Waterline length | 15.7 ft4.78 m | 29.8 ft9.09 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 11.8 ft3.58 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 5.6 ft1.70 m |
| Displacement | 430 lb195 kg | 11,950 lb5,420 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 5,000 lb2,268 kg |
| Sail area | 150 ft²13.9 m² | 523 ft²48.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 42.13 | 16.01 |
| Displacement / Length | 50 | 201 |
| Comfort ratio | 3.1 | 22.2 |
| Capsize screening | 3.71 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 7.3 |
Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 34: the short version
- The Catalina 34 is the larger boat at 34.5 ft10.52 m LOA versus 16.3 ft4.98 m for the Catalina 16.5.
- The Catalina 34 is heavier, displacing about 2679% 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 16.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 34 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 34 rates better for offshore work (2.06 vs 3.71).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.