1981 Pearson 303 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison
1981 Pearson 303
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 303 | Catalina 34 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Catalina |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 1995–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.8 m² (428 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 303 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 303 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1981 Pearson 303 was penned by William Shaw. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 303 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Catalina 34 MkII is 1.22m longer than the 1981 Pearson 303. The Catalina 34 MkII displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1981 Pearson 303 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.45 and 39.8 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 Catalina 34 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1981 Pearson 303 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1981 Pearson 303 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1981 Pearson 303 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Catalina 34 MkII offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1981 Pearson 303 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 34 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 34 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: 1981 Pearson 303 · Catalina 34 MkII