1987 Beneteau First 38 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | Catalina 34 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Catalina |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 1995–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is 1.22m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 displaces approximately 29% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.00 and 65.0 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 1987 Beneteau First 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) 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 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L 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 1987 Beneteau First 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1987 Beneteau First 38 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: 1987 Beneteau First 38 · Catalina 34 MkII