1990 Catalina 34 vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison
1990 Catalina 34
1979 Cal 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Catalina 34 | 1979 Cal 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Cal |
| Year | 1990–2004 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.02 m (29.6 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,670 kg (12,500 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 49.8 m² (536 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Catalina 34 and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Catalina 34 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 1990 Catalina 34 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 1990 Catalina 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1979 Cal 39 is 1.53m longer than the 1990 Catalina 34. The 1979 Cal 39 displaces approximately 44% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Catalina 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.91 and 49.8 m² of sail area. The 1979 Cal 39, with an SA/D of 15.78 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1990 Catalina 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Catalina 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Catalina 34 and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Catalina 34 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The 1979 Cal 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Cal 39 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 1990 Catalina 34 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1990 Catalina 34 · 1979 Cal 39