Catalina 445 vs Hunter 36 — Comparison

Catalina 445
VS
Hunter 36Hunter 36

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 445Hunter 36
General
ManufacturerCatalinaHunter
Year20161996–2001
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA13.56 m (44.5 ft)10.82 m (35.5 ft)
LWL11.89 m (39.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam4.17 m (13.7 ft)3.56 m (11.7 ft)
Draft2.06 m (6.8 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)2,313 kg (5,099 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area84.0 m² (904 ft²)56.0 m² (603 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP27 HP
Fuel Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity379 L (100.1 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 445
16.91
Hunter 36
17.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 445
38.00
Hunter 36
39.22
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 445
0.74
Hunter 36
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 445
16.94
Hunter 36
17.17

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 445 and Hunter 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 445 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 36 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The Catalina 445 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 36 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the Catalina 445 measures 13.56m (44.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.17m, compared to the Hunter 36 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.56m beam. The Catalina 445 is 2.74m longer than the Hunter 36. The Catalina 445 displaces approximately 92% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 445 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.91 and 84.0 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 Hunter 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 445 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Hunter 36 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 38.0% for the Catalina 445 and 39.2% for the Hunter 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 445 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 379L of water capacity and 189L 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 Hunter 36 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 445 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 445 · Hunter 36