Catalina 34 MkII vs Catalina 385 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 34 MkII | Catalina 385 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 1995–2004 | 2006–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 242 L (63.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 34 MkII and Catalina 385 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 385 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 385 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Catalina 34 MkII measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Catalina 385 at 11.73m (38.5ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Catalina 385 is 1.37m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The Catalina 385 displaces approximately 50% 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 Catalina 385, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.0 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 Catalina 385 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 38.9% for the Catalina 385, 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 Catalina 385 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 242L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 385 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 Catalina 385 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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