Catalina 323 vs 2015 ClubSwan 36 — Comparison
Catalina 323
2015 ClubSwan 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 323 | 2015 ClubSwan 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Nautor Swan |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 2015 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Finland |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Juan Kouyoumdjian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 11.00 m (36.1 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 9.90 m (32.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 2.30 m (7.5 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) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 323 and 2015 ClubSwan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 323 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The Catalina 323 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian.
In terms of size, the Catalina 323 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the 2015 ClubSwan 36 at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 1.25m longer than the Catalina 323. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 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 2015 ClubSwan 36, with an SA/D of 23.21 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 323 and 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36, 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 40L 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 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 323 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.