2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large | Catalina 36 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Catalina |
| Year | 2018–2022 | 1999–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.55 m (31.3 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,900 kg (13,007 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and Catalina 36 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 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The Catalina 36 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 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The Catalina 36 MkII is 0.67m longer than the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large. The Catalina 36 MkII displaces approximately 11% 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 36 MkII, with an SA/D of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 28.8% for the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 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 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 36 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: The Catalina 36 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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Or view individual specs: 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large · Catalina 36 MkII