2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison
2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large
Catalina 34 MkII
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large | Catalina 34 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Catalina |
| Year | 2018–2022 | 1995–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.55 m (31.3 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,900 kg (13,007 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Catalina 34 MkII is 0.06m longer than the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large displaces approximately 8% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.58 and 56.5 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 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 28.8% for the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L 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 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large 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.