Catalina 34 MkII vs 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 — Comparison

Catalina 34 MkII
VS
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 372008 Beneteau Oceanis 37

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 34 MkII2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
General
ManufacturerCatalinaBeneteau
Year1995–20042008–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGerry DouglasFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)11.35 m (37.2 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)9.93 m (32.6 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.72 m (12.2 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)6,680 kg (14,727 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)59.0 m² (635 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
16.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
29.94
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
16.63

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 34 MkII and 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the Catalina 34 MkII measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 at 11.35m (37.2ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is 0.99m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 displaces approximately 23% 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 59.0 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 29.9% for the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L 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 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 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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