1989 Catalina 36 vs 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 — Comparison

1989 Catalina 361989 Catalina 36
VS
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 Catalina 361994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
General
ManufacturerCatalinaHallberg-Rassy
Year1989–19941994–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerFrank ButlerOlle Enderlein
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)8.85 m (29.0 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)7.70 m (25.3 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.02 m (9.9 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.50 m (4.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,804 kg (15,000 lbs)3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.3 m² (606 ft²)38.0 m² (409 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths75
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 Catalina 36
15.93
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
16.14
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 Catalina 36
40.01
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
40.54
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 Catalina 36
0.77
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 Catalina 36
19.85
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
20.16

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 Catalina 36 and 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 Catalina 36 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 is a 1990s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1989 Catalina 36 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 was designed by Olle Enderlein.

In terms of size, the 1989 Catalina 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 at 8.85m (29.0ft) with a 3.02m beam. The 1989 Catalina 36 is 2.12m longer than the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29. The 1989 Catalina 36 displaces approximately 84% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1989 Catalina 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.93 and 56.3 m² of sail area. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29, with an SA/D of 16.14 and 38.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1989 Catalina 36 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1989 Catalina 36 and 40.5% for the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1989 Catalina 36 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 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 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1989 Catalina 36 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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: 1989 Catalina 36 · 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29