Catalina 36 MkII vs 1976 C&C 33 — Comparison

Catalina 36 MkII
VS
1976 C&C 33

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 36 MkII1976 C&C 33
General
ManufacturerCatalinaC&C Yachts
Year1999–20061976–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerGerry DouglasCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL9.60 m (31.5 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.55 m (11.6 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.5 m² (608 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine27 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 36 MkII
16.35
1976 C&C 33
15.57
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 36 MkII
37.94
1976 C&C 33
45.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 36 MkII
0.76
1976 C&C 33
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 36 MkII
18.65
1976 C&C 33
18.07

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 36 MkII and 1976 C&C 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1976 C&C 33 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Catalina 36 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1976 C&C 33 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the Catalina 36 MkII measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 1976 C&C 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The Catalina 36 MkII is 0.91m longer than the 1976 C&C 33. The Catalina 36 MkII displaces approximately 45% 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 1976 C&C 33, with an SA/D of 15.57 and 42.0 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 1976 C&C 33 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII and 45.0% for the 1976 C&C 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 1976 C&C 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 36 MkII 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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