We own a 1972 Catalina 27 and have some good friends who own a 30 foot. Theirs has a bunch more room in the salon and sleeping quarters plus
wheel steering where ours has tiller steering. Boats seem to handle about the same although mine seems to be a little quicker on the helm. From a comfort perspective bigger is usually better. On the other hand, ours is paid for even if it is 3 feet shorter!
John Eastin
S/V Solas
Olympia, WA