1989 Catalina 36 vs 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra — Comparison
1989 Catalina 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1989 Catalina 36 | 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Nonsuch |
| Year | 1989–1994 | 1986–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Other |
| Country | USA | Canada |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Mark Ellis |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,804 kg (15,000 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.3 m² (606 ft²) | 39.0 m² (420 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1989 Catalina 36 and 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1989 Catalina 36 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra is a 1980s offering from Nonsuch from Canada. The 1989 Catalina 36 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra was designed by Mark Ellis.
In terms of size, the 1989 Catalina 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1989 Catalina 36 is 1.83m longer than the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra. The 1989 Catalina 36 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1989 Catalina 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.93 and 56.3 m² of sail area. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra, with an SA/D of 14.46 and 39.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1989 Catalina 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1989 Catalina 36 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra has a comfort ratio of 19.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1989 Catalina 36 and 40.0% for the 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1989 Catalina 36 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 114L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1989 Catalina 36 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 1989 Catalina 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1989 Catalina 36 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: 1989 Catalina 36 · 1986 Nonsuch 30 Ultra