1998 Hunter 340 vs Catalina 42 MkII — Comparison
1998 Hunter 340
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Hunter 340 | Catalina 42 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Catalina |
| Year | 1998–2003 | 2003–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.02 m (29.6 ft) | 11.10 m (36.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.1 m² (550 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 152 L (40.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Hunter 340 and Catalina 42 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Hunter 340 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1998 Hunter 340 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Catalina 42 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1998 Hunter 340 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Catalina 42 MkII at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 2.44m longer than the 1998 Hunter 340. The Catalina 42 MkII displaces approximately 75% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1998 Hunter 340 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 51.1 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 Hunter 340 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Catalina 42 MkII has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1998 Hunter 340 and 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1998 Hunter 340 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The Catalina 42 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 152L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1998 Hunter 340 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for 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 Hunter 340 · Catalina 42 MkII