1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 | Catalina 34 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Catalina |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1995–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Groupe Finot | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.14 m (33.3 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 was penned by Groupe Finot. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 measures 10.14m (33.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Catalina 34 MkII is 0.22m longer than the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331. The Catalina 34 MkII displaces approximately 9% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.40 and 50.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 34 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.08 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The Catalina 34 MkII offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L 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 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 · Catalina 34 MkII