1989 Catalina 36 vs Hunter 306 — Comparison
1989 Catalina 36
Hunter 306
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1989 Catalina 36 | Hunter 306 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Hunter |
| Year | 1989–1994 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 9.25 m (30.3 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,804 kg (15,000 lbs) | 3,990 kg (8,796 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.3 m² (606 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1989 Catalina 36 and Hunter 306 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 Catalina 36 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 306 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1989 Catalina 36 was penned by Frank Butler. The Hunter 306 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1989 Catalina 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Hunter 306 at 9.25m (30.3ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1989 Catalina 36 is 1.72m longer than the Hunter 306. The 1989 Catalina 36 displaces approximately 71% 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 Hunter 306, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 306 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 Hunter 306 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1989 Catalina 36 and 39.8% for the Hunter 306, 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 Hunter 306 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1989 Catalina 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 Hunter 306 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1989 Catalina 36 · Hunter 306