1990 Catalina 34 vs 2003 Dehler 42 DS — Comparison
1990 Catalina 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Catalina 34 | 2003 Dehler 42 DS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dehler |
| Year | 1990–2004 | 2003–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) |
| LWL | 9.02 m (29.6 ft) | 11.20 m (36.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) | 3.93 m (12.9 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,670 kg (12,500 lbs) | 8,800 kg (19,401 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 49.8 m² (536 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Catalina 34 and 2003 Dehler 42 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Catalina 34 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2003 Dehler 42 DS is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1990 Catalina 34 was penned by Frank Butler. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1990 Catalina 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the 2003 Dehler 42 DS at 12.77m (41.9ft) with a 3.93m beam. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is 2.41m longer than the 1990 Catalina 34. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS displaces approximately 55% 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Catalina 34 and 34.1% for the 2003 Dehler 42 DS, 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Catalina 34 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS 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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Or view individual specs: 1990 Catalina 34 · 2003 Dehler 42 DS