Catalina 34 MkII vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

Catalina 34 MkII
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 34 MkII2014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerCatalinaElan
Year1995–20042014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASlovenia
DesignerGerry DouglasRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 34 MkII and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Catalina 34 MkII measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 1.71m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The 2014 Elan 400 displaces approximately 51% 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 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L 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 2014 Elan 400 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2014 Elan 400 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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