1980 Peterson 34 vs Catalina 42 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1980 Peterson 34 | Catalina 42 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Peterson | Catalina |
| Year | 1980–1986 | 2003–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Doug Peterson | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 11.10 m (36.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.1 m² (550 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 152 L (40.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1980 Peterson 34 and Catalina 42 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1980 Peterson 34 is a 1980s design by Peterson from USA, while the Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1980 Peterson 34 was penned by Doug Peterson. The Catalina 42 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1980 Peterson 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Catalina 42 MkII at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 2.44m longer than the 1980 Peterson 34. The Catalina 42 MkII displaces approximately 83% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1980 Peterson 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.26 and 51.1 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 1980 Peterson 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1980 Peterson 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The Catalina 42 MkII has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1980 Peterson 34 and 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1980 Peterson 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Catalina 42 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 152L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Peterson 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 1980 Peterson 34 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 42 MkII 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: 1980 Peterson 34 · Catalina 42 MkII