Catalina 387 vs 2005 Dehler 34 — Comparison

Catalina 387Catalina 387
VS
2005 Dehler 342005 Dehler 34

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 3872005 Dehler 34
General
ManufacturerCatalinaDehler
Year1996–20032005–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGerry DouglasJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
LWL10.06 m (33.0 ft)9.10 m (29.9 ft)
Beam3.66 m (12.0 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.96 m (6.4 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area63.0 m² (678 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 387
16.73
2005 Dehler 34
17.85
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 387
39.39
2005 Dehler 34
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 387
0.75
2005 Dehler 34
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 387
18.47
2005 Dehler 34
17.15

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 387 and 2005 Dehler 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 387 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2005 Dehler 34 is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The Catalina 387 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2005 Dehler 34 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the Catalina 387 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.66m, compared to the 2005 Dehler 34 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Catalina 387 is 1.28m longer than the 2005 Dehler 34. The Catalina 387 displaces approximately 56% 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 2005 Dehler 34, with an SA/D of 17.85 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 Dehler 34 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 2005 Dehler 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the Catalina 387 and 35.4% for the 2005 Dehler 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 2005 Dehler 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 387 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 2005 Dehler 34 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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