Catalina 425 vs 1983 Freedom 36 — Comparison
Catalina 425
1983 Freedom 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 425 | 1983 Freedom 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Freedom |
| Year | 2013 | 1983–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.95 m (42.5 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,616 kg (21,200 lbs) | 6,123 kg (13,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,719 kg (8,199 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) | 49.0 m² (527 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 322 L (85.1 gal) | 190 L (50.2 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 425 and 1983 Freedom 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 425 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 1983 Freedom 36 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The Catalina 425 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1983 Freedom 36 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the Catalina 425 measures 12.95m (42.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1983 Freedom 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The Catalina 425 is 1.98m longer than the 1983 Freedom 36. The Catalina 425 displaces approximately 57% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 425 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.52 and 78.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Freedom 36, with an SA/D of 14.88 and 49.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Catalina 425 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 425 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1983 Freedom 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the Catalina 425 and 37.0% for the 1983 Freedom 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 425 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 322L of water capacity and 152L of fuel. The 1983 Freedom 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Freedom 36 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 Catalina 425 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 425 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
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Or view individual specs: Catalina 425 · 1983 Freedom 36