1998 Catalina 42 vs Catalina 42 MkII — Comparison
1998 Catalina 42
Catalina 42 MkII
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Catalina 42 | Catalina 42 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 2003–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 11.10 m (36.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.5 m² (780 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 152 L (40.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Catalina 42 and Catalina 42 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Catalina 42 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1998 Catalina 42 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 42 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1998 Catalina 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Catalina 42 MkII at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam.
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 Catalina 42 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.18 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 42 MkII 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 Catalina 42 MkII has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1998 Catalina 42 and 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII, 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 Catalina 42 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 152L 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 Catalina 42 MkII 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.