Catalina 323 vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 323 | Catalina 36 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 1999–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 323 and Catalina 36 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 323 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Catalina 323 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 36 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Catalina 323 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the Catalina 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The Catalina 36 MkII is 1.22m longer than the Catalina 323. The Catalina 36 MkII displaces approximately 38% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 323 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 36 MkII, with an SA/D of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 323 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 323 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 323 and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 323 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Catalina 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 36 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 323 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 36 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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