1982 Hunter 34 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison

1982 Hunter 341982 Hunter 34
VS
Catalina 34 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1982 Hunter 34Catalina 34 MkII
General
ManufacturerHunterCatalina
Year1982–19881995–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerHunter Design TeamGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.2 m² (540 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1982 Hunter 34
16.48
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1982 Hunter 34
40.00
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1982 Hunter 34
0.80
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1982 Hunter 34
19.05
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1982 Hunter 34 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1982 Hunter 34 is a 1980s design by Hunter from USA, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1982 Hunter 34 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1982 Hunter 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam.

Looking at performance, the 1982 Hunter 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.48 and 50.2 m² of sail area. The Catalina 34 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.08 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 34 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1982 Hunter 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1982 Hunter 34 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1982 Hunter 34 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The Catalina 34 MkII offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1982 Hunter 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 Catalina 34 MkII has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1982 Hunter 34 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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