Hanse 388 vs Catalina 42 MkII — Comparison

Hanse 388
VS
Catalina 42 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHanse 388Catalina 42 MkII
General
ManufacturerHanseCatalina
Year20172003–2009
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
Designerjudel/vrolijk & coGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA11.40 m (37.4 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
LWL10.34 m (33.9 ft)11.10 m (36.4 ft)
Beam3.73 m (12.2 ft)3.96 m (13.0 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,200 kg (15,873 lbs)9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)
Ballast2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area63.0 m² (678 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity140 L (37.0 gal)152 L (40.2 gal)
Water Capacity260 L (68.7 gal)303 L (80.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hanse 388
17.17
Catalina 42 MkII
17.18
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hanse 388
30.56
Catalina 42 MkII
38.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hanse 388
0.77
Catalina 42 MkII
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hanse 388
16.86
Catalina 42 MkII
17.36

Detailed Comparison

The Hanse 388 and Catalina 42 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 388 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The Hanse 388 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The Catalina 42 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 42 MkII at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 1.40m longer than the Hanse 388. The Catalina 42 MkII 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 42 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.18 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 42 MkII 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 42 MkII has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 30.6% for the Hanse 388 and 38.1% for the Catalina 42 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 42 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 152L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 42 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 Catalina 42 MkII 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 42 MkII 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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