2008 Catalina 350 vs Beneteau First 33.7 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 Catalina 350 | Beneteau First 33.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Beneteau |
| Year | 2008–2012 | 2001–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 10.04 m (32.9 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.89 m (29.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.32 m (10.9 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) | 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 55.3 m² (595 ft²) | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 Catalina 350 and Beneteau First 33.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Catalina 350 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Beneteau First 33.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2008 Catalina 350 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Beneteau First 33.7 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 2008 Catalina 350 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Beneteau First 33.7 at 10.04m (32.9ft) with a 3.32m beam. The 2008 Catalina 350 is 0.63m longer than the Beneteau First 33.7. The 2008 Catalina 350 displaces approximately 40% 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 Beneteau First 33.7, with an SA/D of 19.92 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 33.7 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 Beneteau First 33.7 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 2008 Catalina 350 and 35.1% for the Beneteau First 33.7, 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 Beneteau First 33.7 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L 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 Beneteau First 33.7 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 · Beneteau First 33.7