Catalina 270 vs Maxi 84
How do the Catalina 270 and Maxi 84 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 270 
Maxi 84 | Catalina 270 | Maxi 84 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 27.0 ft8.23 m | 27.1 ft8.25 m |
| Waterline length | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 23.6 ft7.20 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 9.7 ft2.95 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 4.9 ft1.50 m |
| Displacement | 6,400 lb2,903 kg | 7,937 lb3,600 kg |
| Ballast | 2,000 lb907 kg | 3,086 lb1,400 kg |
| Sail area | 319 ft²29.6 m² | 441 ft²41.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.81 | 17.73 |
| Displacement / Length | 235 | 269 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.5 | 24.2 |
| Capsize screening | 2.12 | 1.94 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.5 |
| Average used price | — | €9,500 |
Catalina 270 vs Maxi 84: the short version
- The Catalina 270 and Maxi 84 are close in length (27.0 ft8.23 m vs 27.1 ft8.25 m ).
- The Maxi 84 is heavier, displacing about 24% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Maxi 84 carries the more powerful rig (17.7 vs 14.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Maxi 84 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Maxi 84 rates better for offshore work (1.94 vs 2.12).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.