Catalina 425 vs Hunter 356 — Comparison
Catalina 425
Hunter 356
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 425 | Hunter 356 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Hunter |
| Year | 2013 | 2000–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.95 m (42.5 ft) | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) |
| LWL | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) | 9.30 m (30.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.53 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,616 kg (21,200 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,719 kg (8,199 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 322 L (85.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 425 and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 425 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The Catalina 425 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 356 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 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The Catalina 425 is 2.13m longer than the Hunter 356. The Catalina 425 displaces approximately 77% 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 356, with an SA/D of 17.40 and 53.0 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 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the Catalina 425 and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, 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 356 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 425 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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Or view individual specs: Catalina 425 · Hunter 356