Catalina 42 MkII vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison
2014 Elan 400
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 42 MkII | 2014 Elan 400 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Elan |
| Year | 2003–2009 | 2014–2018 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Slovenia |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 12.07 m (39.6 ft) |
| LWL | 11.10 m (36.4 ft) | 10.50 m (34.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.90 m (12.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) | 8,200 kg (18,078 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 42 MkII and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Catalina 42 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the Catalina 42 MkII measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 0.73m longer than the 2014 Elan 400. The Catalina 42 MkII displaces approximately 16% 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 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L 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 2014 Elan 400 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 · 2014 Elan 400