Catalina 34 MkII vs 1984 Moody 33 — Comparison

Catalina 34 MkII
VS
1984 Moody 331984 Moody 33

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 34 MkII1984 Moody 33
General
ManufacturerCatalinaMoody
Year1995–20041984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerGerry DouglasBill Dixon
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.40 m (4.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)44.0 m² (474 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
1984 Moody 33
14.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
1984 Moody 33
40.38
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
1984 Moody 33
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13
1984 Moody 33
21.57

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 34 MkII and 1984 Moody 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1984 Moody 33 is a 1980s offering from Moody from UK. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1984 Moody 33 was designed by Bill Dixon.

In terms of size, the Catalina 34 MkII measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1984 Moody 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Catalina 34 MkII is 0.30m longer than the 1984 Moody 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 1984 Moody 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 1984 Moody 33 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 40.4% for the 1984 Moody 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 1984 Moody 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Moody 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 · 1984 Moody 33