1989 Catalina 36 vs Dufour 382 Grand Large — Comparison

1989 Catalina 361989 Catalina 36
VS
Dufour 382 Grand Large

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 Catalina 36Dufour 382 Grand Large
General
ManufacturerCatalinaDufour
Year1989–19942014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerFrank ButlerFelci Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)11.55 m (37.9 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)10.25 m (33.6 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.72 m (12.2 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,804 kg (15,000 lbs)7,200 kg (15,873 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.3 m² (606 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)260 L (68.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 Catalina 36
15.93
Dufour 382 Grand Large
17.17
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 Catalina 36
40.01
Dufour 382 Grand Large
30.56
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 Catalina 36
0.77
Dufour 382 Grand Large
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 Catalina 36
19.85
Dufour 382 Grand Large
16.98

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 Catalina 36 and Dufour 382 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 Catalina 36 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the Dufour 382 Grand Large is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The 1989 Catalina 36 was penned by Frank Butler. The Dufour 382 Grand Large was designed by Felci Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1989 Catalina 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Dufour 382 Grand Large at 11.55m (37.9ft) with a 3.72m beam. The Dufour 382 Grand Large is 0.58m longer than the 1989 Catalina 36. The Dufour 382 Grand Large displaces approximately 6% 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 Dufour 382 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 17.17 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 382 Grand Large 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 Dufour 382 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 17.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1989 Catalina 36 and 30.6% for the Dufour 382 Grand Large, 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 Dufour 382 Grand Large offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L 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 Dufour 382 Grand Large 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 · Dufour 382 Grand Large