Catalina 385 vs 1990 Sabre 36 — Comparison

Catalina 385
VS
1990 Sabre 361990 Sabre 36

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 3851990 Sabre 36
General
ManufacturerCatalinaSabre
Year2006–20141990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA11.73 m (38.5 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL10.21 m (33.5 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.76 m (12.3 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft2.06 m (6.8 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,165 kg (18,001 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)2,449 kg (5,399 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.0 m² (700 ft²)52.5 m² (565 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity242 L (63.9 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 385
16.29
1990 Sabre 36
16.34
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 385
38.89
1990 Sabre 36
41.53
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 385
0.75
1990 Sabre 36
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 385
18.89
1990 Sabre 36
19.29

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 385 and 1990 Sabre 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 385 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1990 Sabre 36 is a 1990s offering from Sabre from USA. The Catalina 385 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1990 Sabre 36 was designed by Roger Hewson.

In terms of size, the Catalina 385 measures 11.73m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 1990 Sabre 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The Catalina 385 is 0.76m longer than the 1990 Sabre 36. The Catalina 385 displaces approximately 38% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 385 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.29 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The 1990 Sabre 36, with an SA/D of 16.34 and 52.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1990 Sabre 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 385 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1990 Sabre 36 has a comfort ratio of 19.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.9% for the Catalina 385 and 41.5% for the 1990 Sabre 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 385 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 242L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1990 Sabre 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Sabre 36 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 1990 Sabre 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 385 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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