Catalina 34 MkII vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 34 MkII | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Contest |
| Year | 1995–2004 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 34 MkII and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Catalina 34 MkII measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Catalina 34 MkII is 0.30m longer than the 1980 Contest 33. The Catalina 34 MkII displaces approximately 5% 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 1980 Contest 33, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. 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 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, 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 1980 Contest 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Contest 33 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: 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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Or view individual specs: Catalina 34 MkII · 1980 Contest 33