Catalina 425 vs 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 — Comparison

Catalina 425Catalina 425
VS
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 4252009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
General
ManufacturerCatalinaBeneteau
Year20132009–2013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGerry DouglasFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA12.95 m (42.5 ft)10.44 m (34.3 ft)
LWL11.28 m (37.0 ft)9.20 m (30.2 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.42 m (11.2 ft)
Draft2.06 m (6.8 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,616 kg (21,200 lbs)5,550 kg (12,236 lbs)
Ballast3,719 kg (8,199 lbs)1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area78.0 m² (840 ft²)51.0 m² (549 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity322 L (85.1 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 425
17.52
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
16.53
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 425
38.68
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
28.83
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 425
0.75
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 425
17.02
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
18.09

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 425 and 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 425 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The Catalina 425 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the Catalina 425 measures 12.95m (42.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 at 10.44m (34.3ft) with a 3.42m beam. The Catalina 425 is 2.51m longer than the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34. The Catalina 425 displaces approximately 73% 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, with an SA/D of 16.53 and 51.0 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the Catalina 425 and 28.8% for the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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 · 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34