1979 Islander 36 vs Catalina 28 — Comparison
1979 Islander 36
Catalina 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1979 Islander 36 | Catalina 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Islander | Catalina |
| Year | 1979–1985 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Alan Gurney | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,350 kg (13,999 lbs) | 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 54.2 m² (583 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1979 Islander 36 and Catalina 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1979 Islander 36 is a 1970s design by Islander from USA, while the Catalina 28 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1979 Islander 36 was penned by Alan Gurney. The Catalina 28 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1979 Islander 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Catalina 28 at 8.69m (28.5ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1979 Islander 36 is 2.28m longer than the Catalina 28. The 1979 Islander 36 displaces approximately 126% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1979 Islander 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.06 and 54.2 m² of sail area. The Catalina 28, with an SA/D of 17.09 and 33.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1979 Islander 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The Catalina 28 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1979 Islander 36 and 40.3% for the Catalina 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1979 Islander 36 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Catalina 28 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Islander 36 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 28 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1979 Islander 36 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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Or view individual specs: 1979 Islander 36 · Catalina 28