1978 Bristol 40 vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison
1978 Bristol 40
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Bristol 40 | Catalina 36 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bristol | Catalina |
| Year | 1978–1983 | 1999–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Hood | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.4 m² (672 ft²) | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Bristol 40 and Catalina 36 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Bristol 40 is a 1970s design by Bristol from USA, while the Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1978 Bristol 40 was penned by Ted Hood. The Catalina 36 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1978 Bristol 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the Catalina 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The 1978 Bristol 40 is 1.22m longer than the Catalina 36 MkII. The 1978 Bristol 40 displaces approximately 24% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Bristol 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.63 and 62.4 m² of sail area. The Catalina 36 MkII, with an SA/D of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 36 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Bristol 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). The Catalina 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1978 Bristol 40 and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Bristol 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Catalina 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Bristol 40 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 36 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1978 Bristol 40 · Catalina 36 MkII