1985 Sabre 38 vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Sabre 38 | Catalina 36 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Sabre | Catalina |
| Year | 1985–1992 | 1999–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Roger Hewson | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.2 m² (659 ft²) | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Sabre 38 and Catalina 36 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Sabre 38 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1985 Sabre 38 was penned by Roger Hewson. The Catalina 36 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1985 Sabre 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the Catalina 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The 1985 Sabre 38 is 0.61m longer than the Catalina 36 MkII. The 1985 Sabre 38 displaces approximately 10% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Sabre 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.59 and 61.2 m² of sail area. The Catalina 36 MkII, with an SA/D of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1985 Sabre 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Sabre 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Catalina 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 43.8% for the 1985 Sabre 38 and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Sabre 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Catalina 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Sabre 38 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 1985 Sabre 38 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1985 Sabre 38 · Catalina 36 MkII