Catalina 18 vs Catalina 22
How do the Catalina 18 and Catalina 22 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 18 
Catalina 22 | Catalina 18 | Catalina 22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 21.5 ft6.55 m |
| Waterline length | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 19.3 ft5.89 m |
| Beam | 7.6 ft2.31 m | 7.7 ft2.34 m |
| Draft | 2.3 ft0.71 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 1,500 lb680 kg | 2,490 lb1,129 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | 450 lb204 kg |
| Sail area | 151 ft²14.0 m² | 205 ft²19.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.44 | 17.85 |
| Displacement / Length | 154 | 154 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.3 | 12.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.65 | 2.26 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 5.9 |
Catalina 18 vs Catalina 22: the short version
- The Catalina 22 is the larger boat at 21.5 ft6.55 m LOA versus 18.0 ft5.49 m for the Catalina 18.
- The Catalina 22 is heavier, displacing about 66% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Catalina 18 carries the more powerful rig (18.4 vs 17.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 22 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 22 rates better for offshore work (2.26 vs 2.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.