1994 Catalina 320 vs Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 — Comparison
1994 Catalina 320
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 Catalina 320 | Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Beneteau |
| Year | 1994–2007 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Marc Lombard |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.34 m (33.9 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.35 m (30.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.39 m (11.1 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.4 m² (510 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 133 L (35.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 Catalina 320 and Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Catalina 320 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1994 Catalina 320 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 was designed by Marc Lombard.
In terms of size, the 1994 Catalina 320 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 at 10.34m (33.9ft) with a 3.39m beam. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is 0.59m longer than the 1994 Catalina 320. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 displaces approximately 9% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1994 Catalina 320 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.01 and 47.4 m² of sail area. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1, with an SA/D of 17.60 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1994 Catalina 320 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1994 Catalina 320 and 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1994 Catalina 320 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 133L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Catalina 320 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 Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1994 Catalina 320 · Beneteau Oceanis 34.1