Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 470
How do the Catalina 16.5 and Catalina 470 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 470 | Catalina 16.5 | Catalina 470 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 47.7 ft14.53 m |
| Waterline length | 15.7 ft4.78 m | 42.0 ft12.80 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 14.0 ft4.27 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 7.8 ft2.39 m |
| Displacement | 430 lb195 kg | 27,000 lb12,247 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 8,800 lb3,992 kg |
| Sail area | 150 ft²13.9 m² | 1,010 ft²93.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 42.13 | 17.96 |
| Displacement / Length | 50 | 163 |
| Comfort ratio | 3.1 | 28.4 |
| Capsize screening | 3.71 | 1.87 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 8.7 |
Catalina 16.5 vs Catalina 470: the short version
- The Catalina 470 is the larger boat at 47.7 ft14.53 m LOA versus 16.3 ft4.98 m for the Catalina 16.5.
- The Catalina 470 is heavier, displacing about 6179% 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 18.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 470 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 470 rates better for offshore work (1.87 vs 3.71).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.