Catalina 18 vs Catalina 470
How do the Catalina 18 and Catalina 470 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 18 
Catalina 470 | Catalina 18 | Catalina 470 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 47.7 ft14.53 m |
| Waterline length | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 42.0 ft12.80 m |
| Beam | 7.6 ft2.31 m | 14.0 ft4.27 m |
| Draft | 2.3 ft0.71 m | 7.8 ft2.39 m |
| Displacement | 1,500 lb680 kg | 27,000 lb12,247 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | 8,800 lb3,992 kg |
| Sail area | 151 ft²14.0 m² | 1,010 ft²93.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.44 | 17.96 |
| Displacement / Length | 154 | 163 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.3 | 28.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.65 | 1.87 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 8.7 |
Catalina 18 vs Catalina 470: the short version
- The Catalina 470 is the larger boat at 47.7 ft14.53 m LOA versus 18.0 ft5.49 m for the Catalina 18.
- The Catalina 470 is heavier, displacing about 1700% 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 18.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 470 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 470 rates better for offshore work (1.87 vs 2.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.