Hanse 315 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison

Hanse 315
VS
Catalina 34 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHanse 315Catalina 34 MkII
General
ManufacturerHanseCatalina
Year2010–20161995–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
Designerjudel/vrolijk & coGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA9.65 m (31.7 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL8.55 m (28.1 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.15 m (10.3 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.65 m (5.4 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast1,200 kg (2,646 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area41.5 m² (447 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity85 L (22.5 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths46
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hanse 315
16.20
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hanse 315
28.57
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hanse 315
0.78
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hanse 315
17.75
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13

Detailed Comparison

The Hanse 315 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 315 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Hanse 315 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the Hanse 315 measures 9.65m (31.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.15m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Catalina 34 MkII is 0.71m longer than the Hanse 315. The Catalina 34 MkII displaces approximately 30% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hanse 315 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.20 and 41.5 m² of sail area. The Catalina 34 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.08 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 34 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hanse 315 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 28.6% for the Hanse 315 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hanse 315 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L of water capacity and 85L of fuel. The Catalina 34 MkII offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 34 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 34 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 34 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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