Catalina 34 MkII vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison
1979 Cal 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 34 MkII | 1979 Cal 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Cal |
| Year | 1995–2004 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 34 MkII and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the Catalina 34 MkII measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1979 Cal 39 is 1.53m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The 1979 Cal 39 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 34 MkII has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.08 and 52.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Cal 39, with an SA/D of 15.78 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 34 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 34 MkII offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 34 MkII provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1979 Cal 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Cal 39 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 1979 Cal 39 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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: Catalina 34 MkII · 1979 Cal 39