1990 Catalina 34 vs 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 — Comparison

1990 Catalina 341990 Catalina 34
VS
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 Catalina 342005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
General
ManufacturerCatalinaHallberg-Rassy
Year1990–20042005–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerFrank ButlerGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)11.25 m (36.9 ft)
LWL9.02 m (29.6 ft)9.60 m (31.5 ft)
Beam3.45 m (11.3 ft)3.52 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.65 m (5.4 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,670 kg (12,500 lbs)7,500 kg (16,535 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area49.8 m² (536 ft²)62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 Catalina 34
15.91
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
16.44
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 Catalina 34
40.00
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 Catalina 34
0.78
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 Catalina 34
18.86
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
21.15

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 Catalina 34 and 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Catalina 34 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 is a 2000s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1990 Catalina 34 was penned by Frank Butler. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the 1990 Catalina 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 at 11.25m (36.9ft) with a 3.52m beam. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 is 0.89m longer than the 1990 Catalina 34. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 displaces approximately 32% 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37, with an SA/D of 16.44 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 has a comfort ratio of 21.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Catalina 34 and 40.0% for the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37, 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 280L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1990 Catalina 34 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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