1994 Catalina 320 vs 1983 Freedom 36 — Comparison
1994 Catalina 320
1983 Freedom 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 Catalina 320 | 1983 Freedom 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Freedom |
| Year | 1994–2007 | 1983–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 6,123 kg (13,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.4 m² (510 ft²) | 49.0 m² (527 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 133 L (35.1 gal) | 190 L (50.2 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 Catalina 320 and 1983 Freedom 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Catalina 320 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1983 Freedom 36 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1994 Catalina 320 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1983 Freedom 36 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the 1994 Catalina 320 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1983 Freedom 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The 1983 Freedom 36 is 1.22m longer than the 1994 Catalina 320. The 1983 Freedom 36 displaces approximately 29% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1994 Catalina 320 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.01 and 47.4 m² of sail area. The 1983 Freedom 36, with an SA/D of 14.88 and 49.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1994 Catalina 320 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1994 Catalina 320 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1983 Freedom 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1994 Catalina 320 and 37.0% for the 1983 Freedom 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1994 Catalina 320 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 133L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1983 Freedom 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Freedom 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 1994 Catalina 320 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.
Compare Different Boats
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Or view individual specs: 1994 Catalina 320 · 1983 Freedom 36