Catalina 34 MkII vs 1997 Tartan 3700 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 34 MkII | 1997 Tartan 3700 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Tartan |
| Year | 1995–2004 | 1997–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Tim Jackett |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 7,031 kg (15,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 220 L (58.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 34 MkII and 1997 Tartan 3700 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1997 Tartan 3700 is a 1990s offering from Tartan from USA. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1997 Tartan 3700 was designed by Tim Jackett.
In terms of size, the Catalina 34 MkII measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1997 Tartan 3700 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1997 Tartan 3700 is 0.92m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The 1997 Tartan 3700 displaces approximately 29% 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 1997 Tartan 3700, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1997 Tartan 3700 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 1997 Tartan 3700 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 41.9% for the 1997 Tartan 3700, 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 1997 Tartan 3700 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 220L water and 130L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Tartan 3700 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 1997 Tartan 3700 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 · 1997 Tartan 3700