Catalina 270 vs Irwin 27
How do the Catalina 270 and Irwin 27 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 270 
Irwin 27 | Catalina 270 | Irwin 27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 27.0 ft8.23 m | 27.1 ft8.25 m |
| Waterline length | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 20.5 ft6.25 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 8.7 ft2.64 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 7.8 ft2.39 m |
| Displacement | 6,400 lb2,903 kg | 6,600 lb2,994 kg |
| Ballast | 2,000 lb907 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 319 ft²29.6 m² | 372 ft²34.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.81 | 16.92 |
| Displacement / Length | 235 | 342 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.5 | 25.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.12 | 1.85 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.1 |
Catalina 270 vs Irwin 27: the short version
- The Catalina 270 and Irwin 27 are close in length (27.0 ft8.23 m vs 27.1 ft8.25 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Irwin 27 carries the more powerful rig (16.9 vs 14.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Irwin 27 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Irwin 27 rates better for offshore work (1.85 vs 2.12).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.