Catalina 323 vs 2005 Dehler 34 — Comparison
2005 Dehler 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 323 | 2005 Dehler 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dehler |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 2005–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 9.10 m (29.9 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 50 L (13.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 323 and 2005 Dehler 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 323 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2005 Dehler 34 is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The Catalina 323 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2005 Dehler 34 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the Catalina 323 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the 2005 Dehler 34 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 2005 Dehler 34 is 0.55m longer than the Catalina 323. The 2005 Dehler 34 displaces approximately 1% 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 2005 Dehler 34, with an SA/D of 17.85 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 Dehler 34 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 2005 Dehler 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 323 and 35.4% for the 2005 Dehler 34, 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 2005 Dehler 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 323 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 2005 Dehler 34 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 323 · 2005 Dehler 34