Catalina 270 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison
Catalina 270
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 270 | 2016 Dehler 36 SQ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dehler |
| Year | 1992–2002 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.31 m (27.3 ft) | 10.85 m (35.6 ft) |
| LWL | 7.24 m (23.8 ft) | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) |
| Beam | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.47 m (4.8 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,313 kg (5,099 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 12 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 55 L (14.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 270 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 270 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The Catalina 270 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the Catalina 270 measures 8.31m (27.3ft) overall with a beam of 2.74m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is 2.54m longer than the Catalina 270. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ displaces approximately 138% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 270 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.01 and 31.0 m² of sail area. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 270 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.2% for the Catalina 270 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 270 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 270 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.