1998 Catalina 42 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison

1998 Catalina 421998 Catalina 42
VS
2016 Dehler 36 SQ

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Catalina 422016 Dehler 36 SQ
General
ManufacturerCatalinaDehler
Year1998–20042016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGerry DouglasJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)10.85 m (35.6 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)9.85 m (32.3 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area72.5 m² (780 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)55 L (14.5 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Catalina 42
16.39
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
18.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Catalina 42
40.48
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
32.73
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Catalina 42
0.75
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Catalina 42
17.96
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
16.07

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Catalina 42 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Catalina 42 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1998 Catalina 42 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1998 Catalina 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1998 Catalina 42 is 1.95m longer than the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ. The 1998 Catalina 42 displaces approximately 73% 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1998 Catalina 42 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 · 2016 Dehler 36 SQ