2008 Catalina 350 vs 1997 Tartan 3700 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Catalina 350 | 1997 Tartan 3700 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Tartan |
| Year | 2008–2012 | 1997–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Tim Jackett |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) | 7,031 kg (15,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 55.3 m² (595 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 220 L (58.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Catalina 350 and 1997 Tartan 3700 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Catalina 350 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1997 Tartan 3700 is a 1990s offering from Tartan from USA. The 2008 Catalina 350 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1997 Tartan 3700 was designed by Tim Jackett.
In terms of size, the 2008 Catalina 350 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 1997 Tartan 3700 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1997 Tartan 3700 is 0.61m longer than the 2008 Catalina 350. The 1997 Tartan 3700 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2008 Catalina 350 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.01 and 55.3 m² of sail area. The 1997 Tartan 3700, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1997 Tartan 3700 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2008 Catalina 350 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1997 Tartan 3700 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 2008 Catalina 350 and 41.9% for the 1997 Tartan 3700, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2008 Catalina 350 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1997 Tartan 3700 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 220L water and 130L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2008 Catalina 350 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 1997 Tartan 3700 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2008 Catalina 350 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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Or view individual specs: 2008 Catalina 350 · 1997 Tartan 3700