Catalina 425 vs Hunter 36 — Comparison

Catalina 425Catalina 425
VS
Hunter 36Hunter 36

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 425Hunter 36
General
ManufacturerCatalinaHunter
Year20131996–2001
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA12.95 m (42.5 ft)10.82 m (35.5 ft)
LWL11.28 m (37.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.56 m (11.7 ft)
Draft2.06 m (6.8 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,616 kg (21,200 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast3,719 kg (8,199 lbs)2,313 kg (5,099 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area78.0 m² (840 ft²)56.0 m² (603 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP27 HP
Fuel Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity322 L (85.1 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 425
17.52
Hunter 36
17.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 425
38.68
Hunter 36
39.22
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 425
0.75
Hunter 36
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 425
17.02
Hunter 36
17.17

Detailed Comparison

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

In terms of size, the Catalina 425 measures 12.95m (42.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Hunter 36 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.56m beam. The Catalina 425 is 2.13m longer than the Hunter 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 Hunter 36, with an SA/D of 17.43 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Hunter 36 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the Catalina 425 and 39.2% for the Hunter 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 Hunter 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 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

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: Catalina 425 · Hunter 36