Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 vs Catalina 390 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
VS
Catalina 390

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Fast 3200Catalina 390
General
ManufacturerJeanneauCatalina
Year2010–20181997–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerDaniel AndrieuGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA9.72 m (31.9 ft)11.89 m (39.0 ft)
LWL8.92 m (29.3 ft)10.21 m (33.5 ft)
Beam3.25 m (10.7 ft)3.76 m (12.3 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,900 kg (8,598 lbs)8,256 kg (18,201 lbs)
Ballast1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)3,266 kg (7,200 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.0 m² (538 ft²)65.5 m² (705 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)265 L (70.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths47
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
20.51
Catalina 390
16.29
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
38.46
Catalina 390
39.56
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
0.83
Catalina 390
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
14.86
Catalina 390
18.93

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 and Catalina 390 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Catalina 390 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The Catalina 390 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 390 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Catalina 390 is 2.17m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200. The Catalina 390 displaces approximately 112% 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 390, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 390 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 and 39.6% for the Catalina 390, 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 390 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 390 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 390 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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