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Catalina 390
Designer: Gerry Douglas  ·  Builder: Catalina Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 2001
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About the Catalina 390

Designed by Gerry Douglas and launched in 2001, this popular cruising sailboat from Catalina Yachts represents a sweet spot in the manufacturer's lineup for serious coastal and offshore cruising. The masthead sloop configuration combines well-balanced proportions with practical accommodations, making it an attractive choice for couples or small families seeking comfortable passage-making capabilities. With a moderate displacement of 19,000 pounds and substantial ballast ratio, the 390 offers reassuring stability in varied conditions. The fin keel with spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling while maintaining the shallow draft characteristics that Catalina owners appreciate for exploring diverse cruising grounds. Her fiberglass construction follows proven techniques that have made Catalina one of America's most prolific production builders. The boat's design emphasizes comfort and livability over racing performance, evidenced by her generous beam and thoughtful interior layout. Her moderate sail area and conservative rigging make her manageable for shorthanded sailing, while the hull's seakindly motion contributes to pleasant offshore passages. The 40-horsepower auxiliary engine provides reliable power for maneuvering in tight quarters or motoring during calm conditions. This model appeals particularly to cruisers seeking a well-built, affordable platform for extended coastal exploration or Caribbean adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.67 ft / 11.79 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.42 ft / 9.88 m
Beam 12.33 ft / 3.76 m
Max Draft 7.17 ft / 2.19 m
Displacement 19,000.00 lb / 8,618 kg
Ballast 6,800.00 lb / 3,084 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Sail Area (Reported) 725.00 ft² / 67.35 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Gerry Douglas
Builder Catalina Yachts (USA)
First Built 2001
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 126
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
 16.35
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
 35.79
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
 248.92
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 30.17
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.85
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.63 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.12
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. 1,428.31 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 16.35
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 50.92 ft / 15.52 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.67 ft / 4.47 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 44.83 ft / 13.66 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 15.67 ft / 4.78 m
SA Fore 373.50 ft² / 34.70 m²
SA Main 351.24 ft² / 32.63 m²
SA Total (100%) 724.74 ft² / 67.33 m²
Est. Forestay Length 52.99 ft / 16.15 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 3JH3BE
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 40
Fuel Capacity 34 gals / 129 L
Water Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
Resources & Community
⚓ Class Association Catalina 380/390 International Association 💬 Owners Forum Owners Forum & Discussion
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