2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large | Catalina 36 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Catalina |
| Year | 2012–2017 | 1999–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.35 m (40.5 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 4.02 m (13.2 ft) | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,500 kg (18,739 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large and Catalina 36 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The Catalina 36 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large measures 12.35m (40.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.02m, compared to the Catalina 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large is 1.38m longer than the Catalina 36 MkII. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large displaces approximately 29% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.56 and 72.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 36 MkII, with an SA/D of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Catalina 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 30.6% for the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The Catalina 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 36 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 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large 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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Or view individual specs: 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large · Catalina 36 MkII