1994 Catalina 320 vs Beneteau First 35 — Comparison
1994 Catalina 320
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 Catalina 320 | Beneteau First 35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Beneteau |
| Year | 1994–2007 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.68 m (35.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.4 m² (510 ft²) | 61.0 m² (657 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 133 L (35.1 gal) | 180 L (47.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 Catalina 320 and Beneteau First 35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Catalina 320 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1994 Catalina 320 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Beneteau First 35 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1994 Catalina 320 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the Beneteau First 35 at 10.68m (35.0ft) with a 3.45m beam. The Beneteau First 35 is 0.93m longer than the 1994 Catalina 320. The Beneteau First 35 displaces approximately 15% 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 Beneteau First 35, with an SA/D of 19.89 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 35 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 Beneteau First 35 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1994 Catalina 320 and 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35, 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 Beneteau First 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Catalina 320 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 Beneteau First 35 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1994 Catalina 320 · Beneteau First 35