1978 Bristol 40 vs Catalina 42 MkII — Comparison
1978 Bristol 40
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Bristol 40 | Catalina 42 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bristol | Catalina |
| Year | 1978–1983 | 2003–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Hood | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 11.10 m (36.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.4 m² (672 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 152 L (40.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Bristol 40 and Catalina 42 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Bristol 40 is a 1970s design by Bristol from USA, while the Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1978 Bristol 40 was penned by Ted Hood. The Catalina 42 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 42 MkII at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 0.61m longer than the 1978 Bristol 40. The Catalina 42 MkII displaces approximately 17% 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 42 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.18 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 42 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 42 MkII has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1978 Bristol 40 and 38.1% for the Catalina 42 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 42 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 152L 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 42 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: 1978 Bristol 40 · Catalina 42 MkII