Catalina 36 MkII vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison
1982 Freedom 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 36 MkII | 1982 Freedom 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Freedom |
| Year | 1999–2006 | 1982–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 36 MkII and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The Catalina 36 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the Catalina 36 MkII measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The Catalina 36 MkII is 2.44m longer than the 1982 Freedom 28. The Catalina 36 MkII displaces approximately 164% 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 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 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 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 28, 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 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L 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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Or view individual specs: Catalina 36 MkII · 1982 Freedom 28