1970 Irwin 34 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1970 Irwin 34 | Catalina 34 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Irwin | Catalina |
| Year | 1970–1978 | 1995–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Irwin | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.9 m² (516 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1970 Irwin 34 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1970 Irwin 34 is a 1970s design by Irwin from USA, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1970 Irwin 34 was penned by Ted Irwin. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1970 Irwin 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam.
Looking at performance, the 1970 Irwin 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.73 and 47.9 m² of sail area. The Catalina 34 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.08 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 34 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1970 Irwin 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1970 Irwin 34 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1970 Irwin 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Catalina 34 MkII offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1970 Irwin 34 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 34 MkII has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1970 Irwin 34 · Catalina 34 MkII