1989 Catalina 36 vs 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 — Comparison

1989 Catalina 361989 Catalina 36
VS
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 Catalina 362012 X-Yachts Xp 44
General
ManufacturerCatalinaX-Yachts
Year1989–19942012–2020
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSADenmark
DesignerFrank ButlerNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)13.29 m (43.6 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)11.70 m (38.4 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)4.02 m (13.2 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)2.45 m (8.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,804 kg (15,000 lbs)9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.3 m² (606 ft²)90.0 m² (969 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)270 L (71.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 Catalina 36
15.93
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
19.96
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 Catalina 36
40.01
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
37.76
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 Catalina 36
0.77
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 Catalina 36
19.85
2012 X-Yachts Xp 44
15.91

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 Catalina 36 and 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 Catalina 36 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1989 Catalina 36 was penned by Frank Butler. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the 1989 Catalina 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 at 13.29m (43.6ft) with a 4.02m beam. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 is 2.32m longer than the 1989 Catalina 36. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 displaces approximately 44% 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 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44, with an SA/D of 19.96 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 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 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 has a comfort ratio of 15.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1989 Catalina 36 and 37.8% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44, 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 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 270L water and 140L 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 2012 X-Yachts Xp 44 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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