Catalina 18 vs Catalina 275 Sport
How do the Catalina 18 and Catalina 275 Sport compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 18 
Catalina 275 Sport | Catalina 18 | Catalina 275 Sport | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 27.5 ft8.38 m |
| Waterline length | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 26.6 ft8.10 m |
| Beam | 7.6 ft2.31 m | 8.5 ft2.59 m |
| Draft | 2.3 ft0.71 m | 5.2 ft1.59 m |
| Displacement | 1,500 lb680 kg | 5,000 lb2,268 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | 2,040 lb925 kg |
| Sail area | 151 ft²14.0 m² | 336 ft²31.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.44 | 18.39 |
| Displacement / Length | 154 | 119 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.3 | 16.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.65 | 1.99 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 6.9 |
Catalina 18 vs Catalina 275 Sport: the short version
- The Catalina 275 Sport is the larger boat at 27.5 ft8.38 m LOA versus 18.0 ft5.49 m for the Catalina 18.
- The Catalina 275 Sport is heavier, displacing about 233% 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 18.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 275 Sport scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 275 Sport rates better for offshore work (1.99 vs 2.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.