Catalina 425 vs 1990 Sabre 36 — Comparison

Catalina 425Catalina 425
VS
1990 Sabre 361990 Sabre 36

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 4251990 Sabre 36
General
ManufacturerCatalinaSabre
Year20131990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA12.95 m (42.5 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL11.28 m (37.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft2.06 m (6.8 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,616 kg (21,200 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast3,719 kg (8,199 lbs)2,449 kg (5,399 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area78.0 m² (840 ft²)52.5 m² (565 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity322 L (85.1 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 425
17.52
1990 Sabre 36
16.34
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 425
38.68
1990 Sabre 36
41.53
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 425
0.75
1990 Sabre 36
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 425
17.02
1990 Sabre 36
19.29

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 425 and 1990 Sabre 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 425 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 1990 Sabre 36 is a 1990s offering from Sabre from USA. The Catalina 425 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1990 Sabre 36 was designed by Roger Hewson.

In terms of size, the Catalina 425 measures 12.95m (42.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1990 Sabre 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The Catalina 425 is 1.98m longer than the 1990 Sabre 36. The Catalina 425 displaces approximately 63% 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 1990 Sabre 36, with an SA/D of 16.34 and 52.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1990 Sabre 36 has a comfort ratio of 19.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the Catalina 425 and 41.5% for the 1990 Sabre 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 1990 Sabre 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Sabre 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.

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