1994 Hylas 42 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 Hylas 42 | Catalina 34 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hylas | Catalina |
| Year | 1994–2004 | 1995–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Taiwan | USA |
| Designer | German Frers | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.3 m² (800 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 379 L (100.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 Hylas 42 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Hylas 42 is a 1990s design by Hylas from Taiwan, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1994 Hylas 42 was penned by German Frers. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1994 Hylas 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1994 Hylas 42 is 2.44m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The 1994 Hylas 42 displaces approximately 75% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1994 Hylas 42 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.80 and 74.3 m² of sail area. The Catalina 34 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.08 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 34 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1994 Hylas 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1994 Hylas 42 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1994 Hylas 42 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 379L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The Catalina 34 MkII offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Hylas 42 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 Catalina 34 MkII has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1994 Hylas 42 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1994 Hylas 42 · Catalina 34 MkII