1998 Catalina 42 vs 2002 X-Yachts X-37 — Comparison

1998 Catalina 421998 Catalina 42
VS
2002 X-Yachts X-37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Catalina 422002 X-Yachts X-37
General
ManufacturerCatalinaX-Yachts
Year1998–20042002–2008
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSADenmark
DesignerGerry DouglasNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)11.15 m (36.6 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.42 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)6,500 kg (14,330 lbs)
Ballast3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area72.5 m² (780 ft²)62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Catalina 42
16.39
2002 X-Yachts X-37
18.09
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Catalina 42
40.48
2002 X-Yachts X-37
38.46
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Catalina 42
0.75
2002 X-Yachts X-37
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Catalina 42
17.96
2002 X-Yachts X-37
18.77

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Catalina 42 and 2002 X-Yachts X-37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Catalina 42 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2002 X-Yachts X-37 is a 2000s offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1998 Catalina 42 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2002 X-Yachts X-37 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the 1998 Catalina 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2002 X-Yachts X-37 at 11.15m (36.6ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 1998 Catalina 42 is 1.65m longer than the 2002 X-Yachts X-37. The 1998 Catalina 42 displaces approximately 47% 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 2002 X-Yachts X-37, with an SA/D of 18.09 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2002 X-Yachts X-37 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 2002 X-Yachts X-37 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1998 Catalina 42 and 38.5% for the 2002 X-Yachts X-37, 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 2002 X-Yachts X-37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2002 X-Yachts X-37 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 2002 X-Yachts X-37 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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