Catalina 34 MkII vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison
1992 Contest 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 34 MkII | 1992 Contest 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Contest |
| Year | 1995–2004 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 10,400 kg (22,928 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 34 MkII and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1992 Contest 42 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 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1992 Contest 42 is 2.44m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The 1992 Contest 42 displaces approximately 91% 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 1992 Contest 42, with an SA/D of 16.20 and 76.0 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 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, 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 1992 Contest 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1992 Contest 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 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 1992 Contest 42 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: Catalina 34 MkII · 1992 Contest 42