1990 Catalina 34 vs 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 — Comparison
1990 Catalina 34
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Catalina 34 | 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Beneteau |
| Year | 1990–2004 | 2008–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 11.35 m (37.2 ft) |
| LWL | 9.02 m (29.6 ft) | 9.93 m (32.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,670 kg (12,500 lbs) | 6,680 kg (14,727 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 49.8 m² (536 ft²) | 59.0 m² (635 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 29 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Catalina 34 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1990 Catalina 34 was penned by Frank Butler. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the 1990 Catalina 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 at 11.35m (37.2ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is 0.99m longer than the 1990 Catalina 34. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 displaces approximately 18% 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 59.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Catalina 34 and 29.9% for the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 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 · 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37