1991 Hunter 33.5 vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1991 Hunter 33.5 | Catalina 36 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Catalina |
| Year | 1991–1996 | 1999–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.7 m² (546 ft²) | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Shoal draft | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1991 Hunter 33.5 and Catalina 36 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Catalina 36 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Catalina 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The Catalina 36 MkII is 0.91m longer than the 1991 Hunter 33.5. The Catalina 36 MkII displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.65 and 50.7 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 1991 Hunter 33.5 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Catalina 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The Catalina 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 36 MkII 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 1991 Hunter 33.5 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: 1991 Hunter 33.5 · Catalina 36 MkII