Catalina 42 MkII vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison

Catalina 42 MkII
VS
2016 Dehler 36 SQ

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 42 MkII2016 Dehler 36 SQ
General
ManufacturerCatalinaDehler
Year2003–20092016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGerry DouglasJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)10.85 m (35.6 ft)
LWL11.10 m (36.4 ft)9.85 m (32.3 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.0 m² (818 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)55 L (14.5 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 42 MkII
17.18
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
18.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 42 MkII
38.10
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
32.73
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 42 MkII
0.75
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 42 MkII
17.36
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
16.07

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 42 MkII and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The Catalina 42 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 1.95m longer than the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ. The Catalina 42 MkII displaces approximately 73% 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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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