2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
Catalina 36 MkII
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 | Catalina 36 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | X-Yachts | Catalina |
| Year | 2015–2020 | 1999–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Denmark | USA |
| Designer | Niels Jeppesen | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.15 m (33.3 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.64 m (11.9 ft) | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,800 kg (17,196 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 66.0 m² (710 ft²) | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and Catalina 36 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Catalina 36 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.64m, compared to the Catalina 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is 0.61m longer than the Catalina 36 MkII. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 displaces approximately 19% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 66.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 36 MkII, with an SA/D of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Catalina 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The Catalina 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.