1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC vs Catalina 385 — Comparison
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC | Catalina 385 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Catalina |
| Year | 1998–2003 | 2006–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Groupe Finot | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,100 kg (15,653 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 59.0 m² (635 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 242 L (63.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC and Catalina 385 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 385 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC was penned by Groupe Finot. The Catalina 385 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 385 at 11.73m (38.5ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Catalina 385 is 0.76m longer than the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC. The Catalina 385 displaces approximately 15% 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 385, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 385 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 385 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 35.2% for the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 36 CC and 38.9% for the Catalina 385, 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 385 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 242L water and 114L 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 385 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 385