1998 Catalina 42 vs Catalina 425 — Comparison
1998 Catalina 42
Catalina 425
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Catalina 42 | Catalina 425 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 12.95 m (42.5 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) | 9,616 kg (21,200 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 3,719 kg (8,199 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.5 m² (780 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 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) | 322 L (85.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Catalina 42 and Catalina 425 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Catalina 42 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 425 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The 1998 Catalina 42 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 425 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 425 at 12.95m (42.5ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 425 is 0.15m longer than the 1998 Catalina 42. The Catalina 425 displaces approximately 1% 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 Catalina 425, with an SA/D of 17.52 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 425 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 425 has a comfort ratio of 17.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1998 Catalina 42 and 38.7% for the Catalina 425, 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 425 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 322L 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 425 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.