1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC vs Catalina 42 MkII — Comparison

1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
VS
Catalina 42 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CCCatalina 42 MkII
General
ManufacturerBeneteauCatalina
Year1998–20032003–2009
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerGroupe FinotGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)11.10 m (36.4 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.96 m (13.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,100 kg (15,653 lbs)9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)
Ballast2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area59.0 m² (635 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)152 L (40.2 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)303 L (80.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
16.23
Catalina 42 MkII
17.18
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
35.21
Catalina 42 MkII
38.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
0.76
Catalina 42 MkII
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
19.82
Catalina 42 MkII
17.36

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC and Catalina 42 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC was penned by Groupe Finot. The Catalina 42 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Catalina 42 MkII at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 1.83m longer than the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC. The Catalina 42 MkII displaces approximately 34% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.23 and 59.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 42 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.18 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 42 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The Catalina 42 MkII has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 35.2% for the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC and 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The Catalina 42 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 152L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC 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 42 MkII 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 36 CC · Catalina 42 MkII