1998 Catalina 42 vs 1994 Passport 42 — Comparison
1998 Catalina 42
1994 Passport 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Catalina 42 | 1994 Passport 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Passport |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1994–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | Taiwan |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Robert Perry |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.5 m² (780 ft²) | 75.3 m² (811 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Modified full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 454 L (119.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Catalina 42 and 1994 Passport 42 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1998 Catalina 42 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1994 Passport 42 is a 1990s offering from Passport from Taiwan. The 1998 Catalina 42 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1994 Passport 42 was designed by Robert Perry.
In terms of size, the 1998 Catalina 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1994 Passport 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1994 Passport 42 displaces approximately 14% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1998 Catalina 42 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.39 and 72.5 m² of sail area. The 1994 Passport 42, with an SA/D of 15.57 and 75.3 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1998 Catalina 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1998 Catalina 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1994 Passport 42 has a comfort ratio of 22.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1998 Catalina 42 and 39.6% for the 1994 Passport 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1998 Catalina 42 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 1994 Passport 42 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L water and 227L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Passport 42 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 Catalina 42 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 Catalina 42 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.