1998 Catalina 42 vs 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 — Comparison
1998 Catalina 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Catalina 42 | 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Beneteau |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 2009–2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 10.44 m (34.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 9.20 m (30.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) | 5,550 kg (12,236 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.5 m² (780 ft²) | 51.0 m² (549 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 21 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Catalina 42 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1998 Catalina 42 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the 1998 Catalina 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 at 10.44m (34.3ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 1998 Catalina 42 is 2.36m longer than the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34. The 1998 Catalina 42 displaces approximately 72% 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, with an SA/D of 16.53 and 51.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1998 Catalina 42 and 28.8% for the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1998 Catalina 42 · 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34