Catalina 42 MkII vs Catalina 425 — Comparison
Catalina 42 MkII
Catalina 425
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 42 MkII | Catalina 425 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 2003–2009 | 2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 12.95 m (42.5 ft) |
| LWL | 11.10 m (36.4 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) | 9,616 kg (21,200 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 3,719 kg (8,199 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 152 L (40.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 322 L (85.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 42 MkII and Catalina 425 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 425 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The Catalina 42 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 425 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Catalina 42 MkII measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Catalina 425 at 12.95m (42.5ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 425 is 0.15m longer than the Catalina 42 MkII. The Catalina 425 displaces approximately 1% 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 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 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 Catalina 425 has a comfort ratio of 17.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII and 38.7% for the Catalina 425, 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 Catalina 425 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 322L water and 152L 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 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.