1998 Hunter 340 vs Catalina 425 — Comparison

1998 Hunter 3401998 Hunter 340
VS
Catalina 425Catalina 425

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Hunter 340Catalina 425
General
ManufacturerHunterCatalina
Year1998–20032013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGlenn HendersonGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)12.95 m (42.5 ft)
LWL9.02 m (29.6 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.96 m (13.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)2.06 m (6.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)9,616 kg (21,200 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)3,719 kg (8,199 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area51.1 m² (550 ft²)78.0 m² (840 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)152 L (40.2 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)322 L (85.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Hunter 340
16.78
Catalina 425
17.52
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Hunter 340
37.50
Catalina 425
38.68
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Hunter 340
0.80
Catalina 425
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Hunter 340
17.69
Catalina 425
17.02

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Hunter 340 and Catalina 425 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Hunter 340 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Catalina 425 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The 1998 Hunter 340 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Catalina 425 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 425 at 12.95m (42.5ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 425 is 2.59m longer than the 1998 Hunter 340. The Catalina 425 displaces approximately 77% 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 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 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 425 has a comfort ratio of 17.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1998 Hunter 340 and 38.7% for the Catalina 425, 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 425 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 322L 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 425 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.

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Or view individual specs: 1998 Hunter 340 · Catalina 425