Catalina 18 vs Windrose 5.5
How do the Catalina 18 and Windrose 5.5 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 18 
Windrose 5.5 | Catalina 18 | Windrose 5.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 18.0 ft5.49 m |
| Waterline length | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 16.0 ft4.88 m |
| Beam | 7.6 ft2.31 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 2.3 ft0.71 m | 2.3 ft0.69 m |
| Displacement | 1,500 lb680 kg | 1,500 lb680 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | 500 lb227 kg |
| Sail area | 151 ft²14.0 m² | 151 ft²14.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.44 | 18.44 |
| Displacement / Length | 154 | 163 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.3 | 8.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.65 | 2.80 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 5.4 |
Catalina 18 vs Windrose 5.5: the short version
- The Catalina 18 and Windrose 5.5 are close in length (18.0 ft5.49 m vs 18.0 ft5.49 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Windrose 5.5 carries the more powerful rig (18.4 vs 18.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 18 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 18 rates better for offshore work (2.65 vs 2.80).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.