2011 J/111 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison

2011 J/111
VS
Catalina 34 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2011 J/111Catalina 34 MkII
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsCatalina
Year20111995–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerAlan JohnstoneGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA11.13 m (36.5 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL9.75 m (32.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area71.0 m² (764 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2011 J/111
24.71
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2011 J/111
40.90
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2011 J/111
0.80
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2011 J/111
14.54
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13

Detailed Comparison

The 2011 J/111 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2011 J/111 is a modern design by J/Boats from USA, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2011 J/111 was penned by Alan Johnstone. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 2011 J/111 measures 11.13m (36.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2011 J/111 is 0.77m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The Catalina 34 MkII displaces approximately 9% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2011 J/111 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 24.71 and 71.0 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 2011 J/111 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2011 J/111 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 2011 J/111 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2011 J/111 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L 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 2011 J/111 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 2011 J/111 · Catalina 34 MkII