Catalina 18 vs Catalina 38
How do the Catalina 18 and Catalina 38 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 18 
Catalina 38 | Catalina 18 | Catalina 38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 39.1 ft11.91 m |
| Waterline length | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 30.3 ft9.22 m |
| Beam | 7.6 ft2.31 m | 11.8 ft3.61 m |
| Draft | 2.3 ft0.71 m | 6.8 ft2.07 m |
| Displacement | 1,500 lb680 kg | 15,900 lb7,212 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | 6,850 lb3,107 kg |
| Sail area | 151 ft²14.0 m² | 639 ft²59.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.44 | 16.17 |
| Displacement / Length | 154 | 256 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.3 | 27.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.65 | 1.88 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 7.4 |
Catalina 18 vs Catalina 38: the short version
- The Catalina 38 is the larger boat at 39.1 ft11.91 m LOA versus 18.0 ft5.49 m for the Catalina 18.
- The Catalina 38 is heavier, displacing about 960% 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 16.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 38 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 38 rates better for offshore work (1.88 vs 2.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.