Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 vs Catalina 445 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
VS
Catalina 445

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Fast 3600Catalina 445
General
ManufacturerJeanneauCatalina
Year20162016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerDaniel AndrieuGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA10.94 m (35.9 ft)13.56 m (44.5 ft)
LWL10.10 m (33.1 ft)11.89 m (39.0 ft)
Beam3.55 m (11.6 ft)4.17 m (13.7 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.06 m (6.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,100 kg (11,244 lbs)11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)84.0 m² (904 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)189 L (49.9 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)379 L (100.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths57
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
20.92
Catalina 445
16.91
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
37.25
Catalina 445
38.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
0.83
Catalina 445
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
13.53
Catalina 445
16.94

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 and Catalina 445 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Catalina 445 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The Catalina 445 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 445 at 13.56m (44.5ft) with a 4.17m beam. The Catalina 445 is 2.62m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600. The Catalina 445 displaces approximately 122% 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 445, with an SA/D of 16.91 and 84.0 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 445 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 37.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 and 38.0% for the Catalina 445, 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 445 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 379L water and 189L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 445 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 445 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 · Catalina 445