Catalina 34 MkII vs Hunter 33 — Comparison
Hunter 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 34 MkII | Hunter 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Hunter |
| Year | 1995–2004 | 1988–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Hunter Design Team |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 48.0 m² (517 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 34 MkII and Hunter 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 33 is a 1980s offering from Hunter from USA. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 33 was designed by Hunter Design Team.
In terms of size, the Catalina 34 MkII measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Hunter 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The Catalina 34 MkII is 0.30m longer than the Hunter 33. The Catalina 34 MkII displaces approximately 14% 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 Hunter 33, with an SA/D of 17.23 and 48.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 33 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 Hunter 33 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 38.1% for the Hunter 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 Hunter 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 34 MkII 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 Hunter 33 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 · Hunter 33