Catalina 18 vs Catalina 25
How do the Catalina 18 and Catalina 25 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 18 
Catalina 25 | Catalina 18 | Catalina 25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 25.0 ft7.62 m |
| Waterline length | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 22.2 ft6.76 m |
| Beam | 7.6 ft2.31 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 2.3 ft0.71 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 1,500 lb680 kg | 4,550 lb2,064 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | 1,900 lb862 kg |
| Sail area | 151 ft²14.0 m² | 270 ft²25.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.44 | 15.73 |
| Displacement / Length | 154 | 186 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.3 | 19.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.65 | 1.93 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 6.3 |
Catalina 18 vs Catalina 25: the short version
- The Catalina 25 is the larger boat at 25.0 ft7.62 m LOA versus 18.0 ft5.49 m for the Catalina 18.
- The Catalina 25 is heavier, displacing about 203% 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 15.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 25 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 25 rates better for offshore work (1.93 vs 2.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.