Catalina 36 MkII vs 1973 Ranger 33 — Comparison
1973 Ranger 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 36 MkII | 1973 Ranger 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Ranger |
| Year | 1999–2006 | 1973–1979 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 36 MkII and 1973 Ranger 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1973 Ranger 33 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The Catalina 36 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1973 Ranger 33 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the Catalina 36 MkII measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 1973 Ranger 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Catalina 36 MkII is 0.91m longer than the 1973 Ranger 33. The Catalina 36 MkII displaces approximately 38% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 36 MkII has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of sail area. The 1973 Ranger 33, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 36 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 36 MkII offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1973 Ranger 33 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII and 42.9% for the 1973 Ranger 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 36 MkII provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The 1973 Ranger 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1973 Ranger 33 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 36 MkII has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Catalina 36 MkII 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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