Catalina 36 MkII vs Catalina 42 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 36 MkII | Catalina 42 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 1999–2006 | 2003–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 11.10 m (36.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 152 L (40.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 36 MkII and Catalina 42 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The Catalina 36 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 42 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Catalina 36 MkII measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the Catalina 42 MkII at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 1.83m longer than the Catalina 36 MkII. The Catalina 42 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 Catalina 42 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.18 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 42 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 Catalina 42 MkII has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII and 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII, 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 Catalina 42 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 152L 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 42 MkII 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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