Catalina 36 MkII vs 2010 Elan 340 — Comparison

Catalina 36 MkII
VS
2010 Elan 3402010 Elan 340

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 36 MkII2010 Elan 340
General
ManufacturerCatalinaElan
Year1999–20062010–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASlovenia
DesignerGerry DouglasRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL9.60 m (31.5 ft)9.00 m (29.5 ft)
Beam3.55 m (11.6 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)1,750 kg (3,858 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.5 m² (608 ft²)55.0 m² (592 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine27 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 36 MkII
16.35
2010 Elan 340
17.31
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 36 MkII
37.94
2010 Elan 340
30.17
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 36 MkII
0.76
2010 Elan 340
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 36 MkII
18.65
2010 Elan 340
19.73

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 36 MkII and 2010 Elan 340 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2010 Elan 340 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Catalina 36 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2010 Elan 340 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Catalina 36 MkII measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 2010 Elan 340 at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Catalina 36 MkII is 0.61m longer than the 2010 Elan 340. The Catalina 36 MkII displaces approximately 13% 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 2010 Elan 340, with an SA/D of 17.31 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2010 Elan 340 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 2010 Elan 340 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII and 30.2% for the 2010 Elan 340, 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 2010 Elan 340 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 160L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2010 Elan 340 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 2010 Elan 340 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 · 2010 Elan 340