Catalina 387 vs 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 — Comparison

Catalina 387Catalina 387
VS
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 341997 Hallberg-Rassy 34

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 3871997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
General
ManufacturerCatalinaHallberg-Rassy
Year1996–20031997–2007
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerGerry DouglasGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)10.35 m (34.0 ft)
LWL10.06 m (33.0 ft)8.85 m (29.0 ft)
Beam3.66 m (12.0 ft)3.34 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.96 m (6.4 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)
Ballast2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area63.0 m² (678 ft²)53.0 m² (571 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 387
16.73
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
16.68
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 387
39.39
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
41.38
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 387
0.75
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 387
18.47
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
20.67

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 387 and 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 387 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 is a 1990s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Catalina 387 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the Catalina 387 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.66m, compared to the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 at 10.35m (34.0ft) with a 3.34m beam. The Catalina 387 is 1.23m longer than the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34. The Catalina 387 displaces approximately 29% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 387 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.73 and 63.0 m² of sail area. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34, with an SA/D of 16.68 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 387 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 387 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 has a comfort ratio of 20.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the Catalina 387 and 41.4% for the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 387 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 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 387 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 387 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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