Catalina 36 MkII vs Catalina 425 — Comparison
Catalina 425
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 36 MkII | Catalina 425 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 1999–2006 | 2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 12.95 m (42.5 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) | 9,616 kg (21,200 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 3,719 kg (8,199 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 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) | 322 L (85.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 36 MkII and Catalina 425 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 425 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The Catalina 36 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 425 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 425 at 12.95m (42.5ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 425 is 1.98m longer than the Catalina 36 MkII. The Catalina 425 displaces approximately 46% 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 425, with an SA/D of 17.52 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 425 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 425 has a comfort ratio of 17.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII and 38.7% for the Catalina 425, 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 425 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 322L 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 425 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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