Catalina 36 MkII vs 2000 Sabre 386 — Comparison
Catalina 36 MkII
2000 Sabre 386
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 36 MkII | 2000 Sabre 386 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Sabre |
| Year | 1999–2006 | 2000–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Jim Taylor |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 60.5 m² (651 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 36 MkII and 2000 Sabre 386 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2000 Sabre 386 is a 2000s offering from Sabre from USA. The Catalina 36 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2000 Sabre 386 was designed by Jim Taylor.
In terms of size, the Catalina 36 MkII measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 2000 Sabre 386 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 2000 Sabre 386 is 0.61m longer than the Catalina 36 MkII. The 2000 Sabre 386 displaces approximately 10% 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 2000 Sabre 386, with an SA/D of 16.40 and 60.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2000 Sabre 386 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 2000 Sabre 386 has a comfort ratio of 19.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII and 40.6% for the 2000 Sabre 386, 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 2000 Sabre 386 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2000 Sabre 386 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 2000 Sabre 386 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.