1989 J/35 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison
1989 J/35
Catalina 34 MkII
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1989 J/35 | Catalina 34 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Catalina |
| Year | 1989–1993 | 1995–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.43 m (11.3 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1989 J/35 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1989 J/35 is 0.31m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The Catalina 34 MkII displaces approximately 4% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1989 J/35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.46 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The Catalina 34 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.08 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1989 J/35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1989 J/35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1989 J/35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Catalina 34 MkII offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 34 MkII 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 1989 J/35 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.