Catalina 34 MkII vs 2015 ClubSwan 36 — Comparison

Catalina 34 MkII
VS
2015 ClubSwan 36

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 34 MkII2015 ClubSwan 36
General
ManufacturerCatalinaNautor Swan
Year1995–20042015
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFinland
DesignerGerry DouglasJuan Kouyoumdjian
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)9.90 m (32.5 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.30 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 34 MkII and 2015 ClubSwan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian.

In terms of size, the Catalina 34 MkII measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 2015 ClubSwan 36 at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 0.64m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The Catalina 34 MkII displaces approximately 13% 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 2015 ClubSwan 36, with an SA/D of 23.21 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36, 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 40L 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 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 34 MkII 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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