Catalina 18 vs Catalina 309
How do the Catalina 18 and Catalina 309 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 18 
Catalina 309 | Catalina 18 | Catalina 309 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 32.8 ft9.98 m |
| Waterline length | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 26.5 ft8.08 m |
| Beam | 7.6 ft2.31 m | 11.5 ft3.51 m |
| Draft | 2.3 ft0.71 m | 6.3 ft1.91 m |
| Displacement | 1,500 lb680 kg | 9,800 lb4,445 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Sail area | 151 ft²14.0 m² | 523 ft²48.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.44 | 18.27 |
| Displacement / Length | 154 | 235 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.3 | 20.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.65 | 2.15 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 6.9 |
Catalina 18 vs Catalina 309: the short version
- The Catalina 309 is the larger boat at 32.8 ft9.98 m LOA versus 18.0 ft5.49 m for the Catalina 18.
- The Catalina 309 is heavier, displacing about 553% 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 18.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 309 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 309 rates better for offshore work (2.15 vs 2.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.