1968 Alberg 35 vs Catalina 425 — Comparison

1968 Alberg 35
VS
Catalina 425Catalina 425

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1968 Alberg 35Catalina 425
General
ManufacturerVariousCatalina
Year1968–19782013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerCarl AlbergGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)12.95 m (42.5 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
Beam2.90 m (9.5 ft)3.96 m (13.0 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)2.06 m (6.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)9,616 kg (21,200 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)3,719 kg (8,199 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area43.0 m² (463 ft²)78.0 m² (840 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)152 L (40.2 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)322 L (85.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1968 Alberg 35
14.12
Catalina 425
17.52
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1968 Alberg 35
41.67
Catalina 425
38.68
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1968 Alberg 35
0.66
Catalina 425
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1968 Alberg 35
27.81
Catalina 425
17.02

Detailed Comparison

The 1968 Alberg 35 and Catalina 425 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1968 Alberg 35 is a classic design by Various from USA, while the Catalina 425 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The 1968 Alberg 35 was penned by Carl Alberg. The Catalina 425 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1968 Alberg 35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the Catalina 425 at 12.95m (42.5ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 425 is 2.28m longer than the 1968 Alberg 35. The Catalina 425 displaces approximately 77% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1968 Alberg 35 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.12 and 43.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 425, with an SA/D of 17.52 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 425 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1968 Alberg 35 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 27.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.66). The Catalina 425 has a comfort ratio of 17.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1968 Alberg 35 and 38.7% for the Catalina 425, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1968 Alberg 35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Catalina 425 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 322L water and 152L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1968 Alberg 35 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The Catalina 425 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Catalina 425 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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