Catalina 385 vs 2003 Dehler 42 DS — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 385 | 2003 Dehler 42 DS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dehler |
| Year | 2006–2014 | 2003–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) |
| LWL | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) | 11.20 m (36.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) | 3.93 m (12.9 ft) |
| Draft | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 8,800 kg (19,401 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 242 L (63.9 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 385 and 2003 Dehler 42 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 385 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2003 Dehler 42 DS is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The Catalina 385 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the Catalina 385 measures 11.73m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 2003 Dehler 42 DS at 12.77m (41.9ft) with a 3.93m beam. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is 1.04m longer than the Catalina 385. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS displaces approximately 8% 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 38.9% for the Catalina 385 and 34.1% for the 2003 Dehler 42 DS, 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 385 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Catalina 385 · 2003 Dehler 42 DS