Catalina 42 MkII vs 2000 Najad 355 — Comparison

Catalina 42 MkII
VS
2000 Najad 355

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 42 MkII2000 Najad 355
General
ManufacturerCatalinaNajad
Year2003–20092000–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerGerry DouglasJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)10.72 m (35.2 ft)
LWL11.10 m (36.4 ft)9.00 m (29.5 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.38 m (11.1 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)6,000 kg (13,228 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.0 m² (818 ft²)51.0 m² (549 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)110 L (29.1 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 42 MkII
17.18
2000 Najad 355
15.69
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 42 MkII
38.10
2000 Najad 355
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 42 MkII
0.75
2000 Najad 355
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 42 MkII
17.36
2000 Najad 355
20.10

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 42 MkII and 2000 Najad 355 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2000 Najad 355 is a 2000s offering from Najad from Sweden. The Catalina 42 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2000 Najad 355 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the Catalina 42 MkII measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2000 Najad 355 at 10.72m (35.2ft) with a 3.38m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 2.08m longer than the 2000 Najad 355. The Catalina 42 MkII displaces approximately 59% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 42 MkII has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.18 and 76.0 m² of sail area. The 2000 Najad 355, with an SA/D of 15.69 and 51.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 42 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 42 MkII offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2000 Najad 355 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII and 40.0% for the 2000 Najad 355, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 42 MkII provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 152L of fuel. The 2000 Najad 355 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 110L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2000 Najad 355 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: The Catalina 42 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 42 MkII · 2000 Najad 355