2008 X-Yachts 34 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison

2008 X-Yachts 342008 X-Yachts 34
VS
Catalina 323

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2008 X-Yachts 34Catalina 323
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsCatalina
Year2008–20132004–2009
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA10.33 m (33.9 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL9.35 m (30.7 ft)8.84 m (29.0 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,300 kg (11,684 lbs)4,763 kg (10,501 lbs)
Ballast1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.0 m² (592 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity65 L (17.2 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 X-Yachts 34
18.38
Catalina 323
16.51
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 X-Yachts 34
33.96
Catalina 323
38.09
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 X-Yachts 34
0.75
Catalina 323
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 X-Yachts 34
18.00
Catalina 323
18.34

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 X-Yachts 34 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 is a 2000s design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Catalina 323 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 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 is 0.58m longer than the Catalina 323. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 displaces approximately 11% 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 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 34.0% for the 2008 X-Yachts 34 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, 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 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 323 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 2008 X-Yachts 34 · Catalina 323