Catalina 18 vs Catalina 28
How do the Catalina 18 and Catalina 28 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 18 
Catalina 28 | Catalina 18 | Catalina 28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 29.4 ft8.97 m |
| Waterline length | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 23.8 ft7.26 m |
| Beam | 7.6 ft2.31 m | 10.3 ft3.15 m |
| Draft | 2.3 ft0.71 m | 5.2 ft1.57 m |
| Displacement | 1,500 lb680 kg | 8,300 lb3,765 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | 3,200 lb1,451 kg |
| Sail area | 151 ft²14.0 m² | 369 ft²34.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.44 | 14.40 |
| Displacement / Length | 154 | 274 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.3 | 22.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.65 | 2.04 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 6.5 |
Catalina 18 vs Catalina 28: the short version
- The Catalina 28 is the larger boat at 29.4 ft8.97 m LOA versus 18.0 ft5.49 m for the Catalina 18.
- The Catalina 28 is heavier, displacing about 453% 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 14.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 28 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 28 rates better for offshore work (2.04 vs 2.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.