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Catalina 385
Designer: Frank Butler  ·  Builder: Catalina Yachts  ·  First built: 2007
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About the Catalina 385

Built by Catalina Yachts, the 385 represents the California builder's commitment to creating accessible cruising sailboats that balance performance with comfort. This mid-sized cruiser falls into Catalina's sweet spot for coastal and offshore cruising, offering the kind of practical design philosophy that has made the brand a favorite among recreational sailors. Like other models in Catalina's lineup, the 385 likely features a moderate displacement hull with a fin keel configuration, providing a good balance of stability and sailing performance without being overly aggressive. The design emphasizes ease of handling and comfortable accommodations, making it well-suited for couples or small families looking to explore coastal waters or undertake longer passages. Catalina's reputation for building solid, reliable boats at reasonable prices extends to the 385, which would appeal to sailors seeking a capable cruiser without exotic materials or racing-oriented features. The boat's size places it in the popular range for serious coastal cruising while remaining manageable for experienced couples to handle. Its design philosophy emphasizes practical sailing characteristics over pure speed, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing comfort and reliability during extended time aboard.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.50 ft / 11.73 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.50 ft / 10.21 m
Beam 13.25 ft / 4.04 m
Max Draft 6.25 ft / 1.90 m
Displacement 17,000 lb / 7,711 kg
Ballast 6,800 lb / 3,084 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 720 ft² / 66.89 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Frank Butler
Builder Catalina Yachts
First Built 2007
Last Built 2013
Number Built 200
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
17.39
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
40.0
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
201.87
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 9.51 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 20.72
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.75 ft / 4.50 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 802.00 ft² / 74.51 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Yanmar
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 40
Fuel Capacity 42 gals / 159 L
Water Capacity 55 gals / 208 L
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