1999 Catalina 400 vs 1988 Moody 36 — Comparison

1999 Catalina 4001999 Catalina 400
VS
1988 Moody 361988 Moody 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1999 Catalina 4001988 Moody 36
General
ManufacturerCatalinaMoody
Year1999–20061988–1993
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerGerry DouglasBill Dixon
Dimensions
LOA12.12 m (39.8 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.51 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)6,800 kg (14,991 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)2,700 kg (5,952 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.9 m² (720 ft²)54.0 m² (581 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1999 Catalina 400
15.89
1988 Moody 36
15.29
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1999 Catalina 400
41.03
1988 Moody 36
39.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1999 Catalina 400
0.75
1988 Moody 36
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1999 Catalina 400
18.97
1988 Moody 36
20.90

Detailed Comparison

The 1999 Catalina 400 and 1988 Moody 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1999 Catalina 400 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1988 Moody 36 is a 1980s offering from Moody from UK. The 1999 Catalina 400 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1988 Moody 36 was designed by Bill Dixon.

In terms of size, the 1999 Catalina 400 measures 12.12m (39.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1988 Moody 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The 1999 Catalina 400 is 1.15m longer than the 1988 Moody 36. The 1999 Catalina 400 displaces approximately 30% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1999 Catalina 400 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.89 and 66.9 m² of sail area. The 1988 Moody 36, with an SA/D of 15.29 and 54.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1999 Catalina 400 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1999 Catalina 400 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1988 Moody 36 has a comfort ratio of 20.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.0% for the 1999 Catalina 400 and 39.7% for the 1988 Moody 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1999 Catalina 400 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 1988 Moody 36 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Moody 36 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 1999 Catalina 400 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1999 Catalina 400 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: 1999 Catalina 400 · 1988 Moody 36