1994 Hylas 42 vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison

1994 Hylas 42
VS
Catalina 36 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 Hylas 42Catalina 36 MkII
General
ManufacturerHylasCatalina
Year1994–20041999–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryTaiwanUSA
DesignerGerman FrersGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL10.52 m (34.5 ft)9.60 m (31.5 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.55 m (11.6 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)
Ballast3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.3 m² (800 ft²)56.5 m² (608 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP27 HP
Fuel Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity379 L (100.1 gal)189 L (49.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 Hylas 42
16.80
Catalina 36 MkII
16.35
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 Hylas 42
40.48
Catalina 36 MkII
37.94
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 Hylas 42
0.73
Catalina 36 MkII
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 Hylas 42
19.29
Catalina 36 MkII
18.65

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 Hylas 42 and Catalina 36 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Hylas 42 is a 1990s design by Hylas from Taiwan, while the Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1994 Hylas 42 was penned by German Frers. The Catalina 36 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 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The 1994 Hylas 42 is 1.83m longer than the Catalina 36 MkII. The 1994 Hylas 42 displaces approximately 45% 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 36 MkII, with an SA/D of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1994 Hylas 42 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 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1994 Hylas 42 and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 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 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L 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 1994 Hylas 42 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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