Catalina 440 vs Hunter 356 — Comparison
Hunter 356
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 440 | Hunter 356 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Hunter |
| Year | 2010–2018 | 2000–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) |
| LWL | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) | 9.30 m (30.5 ft) |
| Beam | 4.14 m (13.6 ft) | 3.53 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.96 m (6.4 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 82.0 m² (883 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 379 L (100.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 440 and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 440 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The Catalina 440 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 356 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the Catalina 440 measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.14m, compared to the Hunter 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The Catalina 440 is 2.59m longer than the Hunter 356. The Catalina 440 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 440 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.96 and 82.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 356, with an SA/D of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 356 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 440 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Hunter 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 440 and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 440 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 379L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The Hunter 356 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 440 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 Hunter 356 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 440 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Catalina 440 · Hunter 356