2008 X-Yachts 34 vs Catalina 42 MkII — Comparison

2008 X-Yachts 342008 X-Yachts 34
VS
Catalina 42 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2008 X-Yachts 34Catalina 42 MkII
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsCatalina
Year2008–20132003–2009
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA10.33 m (33.9 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
LWL9.35 m (30.7 ft)11.10 m (36.4 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.96 m (13.0 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,300 kg (11,684 lbs)9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)
Ballast1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.0 m² (592 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity65 L (17.2 gal)152 L (40.2 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)303 L (80.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 X-Yachts 34
18.38
Catalina 42 MkII
17.18
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 X-Yachts 34
33.96
Catalina 42 MkII
38.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 X-Yachts 34
0.75
Catalina 42 MkII
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 X-Yachts 34
18.00
Catalina 42 MkII
17.36

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 X-Yachts 34 and Catalina 42 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 is a 2000s design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Catalina 42 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 measures 10.33m (33.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Catalina 42 MkII at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 2.47m longer than the 2008 X-Yachts 34. The Catalina 42 MkII displaces approximately 80% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.38 and 55.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 42 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.18 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Catalina 42 MkII has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 34.0% for the 2008 X-Yachts 34 and 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L of water capacity and 65L of fuel. The Catalina 42 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 152L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2008 X-Yachts 34 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 2008 X-Yachts 34 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 42 MkII 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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