Bavaria Cruiser 34 vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison
Bavaria Cruiser 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria Cruiser 34 | Catalina 36 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Catalina |
| Year | 2010–2017 | 1999–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.25 m (33.6 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 180 L (47.6 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria Cruiser 34 and Catalina 36 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Catalina 36 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 measures 10.25m (33.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the Catalina 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The Catalina 36 MkII is 0.72m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 34. The Catalina 36 MkII displaces approximately 20% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.30 and 50.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 36 MkII, with an SA/D of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 36 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Catalina 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 30.9% for the Bavaria Cruiser 34 and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L of water capacity and 90L of fuel. The Catalina 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 36 MkII 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 Catalina 36 MkII 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 36 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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Or view individual specs: Bavaria Cruiser 34 · Catalina 36 MkII