The Catalina Yachts Catalina 380 - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1987 vs Catalina Yachts Catalina 390 - Wing Keel Wing Keel 2001 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Catalina Yachts Catalina 380 - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1987 at 38,6 ft versus Catalina Yachts Catalina 390 - Wing Keel Wing Keel 2001 at 38,8 ft. At 19 473 lbs and 19 500 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The Catalina Yachts Catalina 390 - Wing Keel Wing Keel 2001 tops out at 40 hp. Engine specs for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 380 - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1987 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
Both boats are rated for 11 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.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 19 473 lbs for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 380 - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1987 and 19 500 lbs for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 390 - Wing Keel Wing Keel 2001. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Catalina Yachts Catalina 380 - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1987 draws 7,0 ft, compared to 4,1 ft for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 390 - Wing Keel Wing Keel 2001. That 2,9-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Catalina Yachts Catalina 380 - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1987 uses Sloop rigging. The Catalina Yachts Catalina 390 - Wing Keel Wing Keel 2001 has a documented auxiliary engine of 40 hp.
Hull speed is rated at 7,7 knots for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 380 - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1987 and 7,6 knots for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 390 - Wing Keel Wing Keel 2001.
Bottom line: The Catalina Yachts Catalina 380 - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1987 and Catalina Yachts Catalina 390 - Wing Keel Wing Keel 2001 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.