1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
Catalina 323
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Catalina |
| Year | 1998–2003 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Groupe Finot | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,100 kg (15,653 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 59.0 m² (635 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC was penned by Groupe Finot. The Catalina 323 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 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC is 1.22m longer than the Catalina 323. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC displaces approximately 49% 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 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 323 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 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.2% for the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, 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 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L 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 323 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.