Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Jeanneau | Catalina |
| Year | 2016 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Daniel Andrieu | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.94 m (35.9 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,100 kg (11,244 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.0 m² (657 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 measures 10.94m (35.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 is 1.19m longer than the Catalina 323. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.92 and 61.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 120L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The Catalina 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 323 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 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 323 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: Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 · Catalina 323