1998 Catalina 42 vs Beneteau First 33.7 — Comparison
1998 Catalina 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Catalina 42 | Beneteau First 33.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Beneteau |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 2001–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 10.04 m (32.9 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 8.89 m (29.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.32 m (10.9 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) | 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.5 m² (780 ft²) | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Catalina 42 and Beneteau First 33.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Catalina 42 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Beneteau First 33.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1998 Catalina 42 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Beneteau First 33.7 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 1998 Catalina 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Beneteau First 33.7 at 10.04m (32.9ft) with a 3.32m beam. The 1998 Catalina 42 is 2.76m longer than the Beneteau First 33.7. The 1998 Catalina 42 displaces approximately 103% 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 Beneteau First 33.7, with an SA/D of 19.92 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 33.7 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 Beneteau First 33.7 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1998 Catalina 42 and 35.1% for the Beneteau First 33.7, 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 Beneteau First 33.7 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1998 Catalina 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 Beneteau First 33.7 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1998 Catalina 42 · Beneteau First 33.7