Bavaria Cruiser 36 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria Cruiser 36 | Catalina 34 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Catalina |
| Year | 2012–2018 | 1995–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.30 m (37.1 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.80 m (32.2 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.57 m (11.7 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,400 kg (14,110 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 58.0 m² (624 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 110 L (29.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 210 L (55.5 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria Cruiser 36 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 36 measures 11.30m (37.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.57m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 is 0.94m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Bavaria Cruiser 36 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.10 and 58.0 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 Bavaria Cruiser 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Bavaria Cruiser 36 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.3% for the Bavaria Cruiser 36 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Bavaria Cruiser 36 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 210L of water capacity and 110L 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 Bavaria Cruiser 36 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: Bavaria Cruiser 36 · Catalina 34 MkII