Catalina 385 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison
Catalina 385
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 385 | 2016 Dehler 36 SQ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dehler |
| Year | 2006–2014 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) | 10.85 m (35.6 ft) |
| LWL | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) |
| Beam | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 55 L (14.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 242 L (63.9 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 385 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 385 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The Catalina 385 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Catalina 385 is 0.88m longer than the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ. The Catalina 385 displaces approximately 48% 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.9% for the Catalina 385 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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.