Catalina 42 MkII vs Hunter 380 — Comparison
Hunter 380
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 42 MkII | Hunter 380 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Hunter |
| Year | 2003–2009 | 2001–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.10 m (36.4 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) | 64.0 m² (689 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 42 MkII and Hunter 380 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 380 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The Catalina 42 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 380 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the Catalina 42 MkII measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Hunter 380 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 1.22m longer than the Hunter 380. The Catalina 42 MkII displaces approximately 31% 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 Hunter 380, with an SA/D of 17.35 and 64.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 380 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 Hunter 380 has a comfort ratio of 17.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII and 37.5% for the Hunter 380, 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 Hunter 380 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 42 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 Hunter 380 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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Or view individual specs: Catalina 42 MkII · Hunter 380