The RS Sailing RS 700 2002 vs RS Sailing RS Cat 14 Club Club 2017 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 — RS Sailing RS 700 2002 at 15,5 ft versus RS Sailing RS Cat 14 Club Club 2017 at 13,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the RS Sailing RS Cat 14 Club Club 2017 tips the scales at 276 lbs — 102 lbs less than the RS Sailing RS 700 2002 at 174 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats are rated for 4 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 — 174 lbs for the RS Sailing RS 700 2002 and 276 lbs for the RS Sailing RS Cat 14 Club Club 2017. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
The RS Sailing RS 700 2002 uses Sloop rigging.
Both the RS Sailing RS 700 2002 and RS Sailing RS Cat 14 Club Club 2017 are listed as trailerable, which opens up the freedom to explore different sailing grounds without paying for a permanent berth.
Bottom line: The RS Sailing RS 700 2002 at 15,5 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The RS Sailing RS Cat 14 Club Club 2017 at 13,1 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew, trailerable, and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.