Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 | Catalina 34 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Catalina |
| Year | 2010–2018 | 1995–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Daniel Andrieu | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.72 m (31.9 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.92 m (29.3 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,900 kg (8,598 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 measures 9.72m (31.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Catalina 34 MkII is 0.64m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200. The Catalina 34 MkII displaces approximately 40% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.51 and 50.0 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 80L of water capacity and 60L 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 · Catalina 34 MkII