The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 vs Catalina Yachts Catalina 310 - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1999 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 21 hp for the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 and 26 hp for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 310 - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1999. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 18 gal and 20 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 9 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

The Catalina Yachts Catalina 310 - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1999 has a documented displacement of 10 701 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.

Both boats draw a similar depth — 5,2 ft and 5,8 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

Sailboat comparisons often come down to details that specs don't fully capture — the quality of the standing rigging, the layout of the cockpit, and how the boat feels on a beat in 20 knots. A sea trial on both is strongly recommended.