2008 Catalina 350 vs Bavaria Cruiser 36 — Comparison

2008 Catalina 350
VS
Bavaria Cruiser 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2008 Catalina 350Bavaria Cruiser 36
General
ManufacturerCatalinaBavaria
Year2008–20122012–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGerry DouglasFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)11.30 m (37.1 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)9.80 m (32.2 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.57 m (11.7 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)6,400 kg (14,110 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.3 m² (595 ft²)58.0 m² (624 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)110 L (29.1 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)210 L (55.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 Catalina 350
16.01
Bavaria Cruiser 36
17.10
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 Catalina 350
37.94
Bavaria Cruiser 36
31.25
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 Catalina 350
0.78
Bavaria Cruiser 36
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 Catalina 350
18.69
Bavaria Cruiser 36
17.18

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 Catalina 350 and Bavaria Cruiser 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Catalina 350 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Bavaria Cruiser 36 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 2008 Catalina 350 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 2008 Catalina 350 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Bavaria Cruiser 36 at 11.30m (37.1ft) with a 3.57m beam. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 is 0.63m longer than the 2008 Catalina 350. The 2008 Catalina 350 displaces approximately 3% 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 Bavaria Cruiser 36, with an SA/D of 17.10 and 58.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 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 Bavaria Cruiser 36 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 2008 Catalina 350 and 31.3% for the Bavaria Cruiser 36, 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 Bavaria Cruiser 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 210L water and 110L 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 Bavaria Cruiser 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 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 · Bavaria Cruiser 36