1990 X-Yachts 452 vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison

1990 X-Yachts 452
VS
Catalina 36 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 X-Yachts 452Catalina 36 MkII
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsCatalina
Year1990–19981999–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA13.72 m (45.0 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL11.28 m (37.0 ft)9.60 m (31.5 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.55 m (11.6 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)
Ballast4,763 kg (10,501 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area88.5 m² (953 ft²)56.5 m² (608 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP27 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)189 L (49.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 X-Yachts 452
17.81
Catalina 36 MkII
16.35
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 X-Yachts 452
42.00
Catalina 36 MkII
37.94
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 X-Yachts 452
0.71
Catalina 36 MkII
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 X-Yachts 452
19.31
Catalina 36 MkII
18.65

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 X-Yachts 452 and Catalina 36 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 is a 1990s design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Catalina 36 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 measures 13.72m (45.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Catalina 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 is 2.75m longer than the Catalina 36 MkII. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 displaces approximately 72% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.81 and 88.5 m² of sail area. The Catalina 36 MkII, with an SA/D of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The Catalina 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 42.0% for the 1990 X-Yachts 452 and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The Catalina 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 X-Yachts 452 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 X-Yachts 452 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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