1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 vs Catalina 425 — Comparison

1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
VS
Catalina 425Catalina 425

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36Catalina 425
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyCatalina
Year1989–20002013
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenUSA
DesignerGerman FrersGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA10.85 m (35.6 ft)12.95 m (42.5 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
Beam3.47 m (11.4 ft)3.96 m (13.0 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)2.06 m (6.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,257 kg (15,999 lbs)9,616 kg (21,200 lbs)
Ballast2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)3,719 kg (8,199 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.5 m² (651 ft²)78.0 m² (840 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)152 L (40.2 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)322 L (85.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
16.40
Catalina 425
17.52
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
40.62
Catalina 425
38.68
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
0.72
Catalina 425
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
22.82
Catalina 425
17.02

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 and Catalina 425 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 is a 1980s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the Catalina 425 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 was penned by German Frers. The Catalina 425 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 measures 10.85m (35.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.47m, compared to the Catalina 425 at 12.95m (42.5ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 425 is 2.10m longer than the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36. The Catalina 425 displaces approximately 33% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.40 and 60.5 m² of sail area. The Catalina 425, with an SA/D of 17.52 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 425 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The Catalina 425 has a comfort ratio of 17.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.6% for the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 and 38.7% for the Catalina 425, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The Catalina 425 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 322L water and 152L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 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 Catalina 425 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Catalina 425 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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