Hanse 388 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison

Hanse 388 Hanse 388
VS
Catalina 34 MkII Catalina 34 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

Specification Hanse 388 Catalina 34 MkII
General
Manufacturer Hanse Catalina
Year 2017 1995–2004
Type Sloop Sloop
Country Germany USA
Designer judel/vrolijk & co Gerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA 11.40 m (37.4 ft) 10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL 10.34 m (33.9 ft) 9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam 3.73 m (12.2 ft) 3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft 2.10 m (6.9 ft) 1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement 7,200 kg (15,873 lbs) 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 63.0 m² (678 ft²) 52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull Material Fiberglass Fiberglass
Keel Type Fin Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 29 HP 21 HP
Fuel Capacity 140 L (37.0 gal) 76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity 260 L (68.7 gal) 151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 6 6
Cabins 2 2

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hanse 388
17.17
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hanse 388
30.56
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hanse 388
0.77
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hanse 388
16.86
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13

Detailed Comparison

The Hanse 388 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 388 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Hanse 388 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the Hanse 388 measures 11.40m (37.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.73m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Hanse 388 is 1.04m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The Hanse 388 displaces approximately 32% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hanse 388 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.17 and 63.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 34 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.08 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hanse 388 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hanse 388 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.6% for the Hanse 388 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hanse 388 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L of water capacity and 140L of fuel. The Catalina 34 MkII offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 34 MkII 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 Hanse 388 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.

Compare Different Boats

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