1981 Pearson 36 vs Catalina 385 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 36 | Catalina 385 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Catalina |
| Year | 1981–1985 | 2006–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,124 kg (13,501 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.6 m² (555 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 242 L (63.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 36 and Catalina 385 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 36 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the Catalina 385 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1981 Pearson 36 was penned by William Shaw. The Catalina 385 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 36 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Catalina 385 at 11.73m (38.5ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Catalina 385 is 1.06m longer than the 1981 Pearson 36. The Catalina 385 displaces approximately 33% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1981 Pearson 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.66 and 51.6 m² of sail area. The Catalina 385, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 385 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1981 Pearson 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 385 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.7% for the 1981 Pearson 36 and 38.9% for the Catalina 385, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1981 Pearson 36 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Catalina 385 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 242L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1981 Pearson 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 385 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: 1981 Pearson 36 · Catalina 385