1994 Catalina 320 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison
1994 Catalina 320
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 Catalina 320 | 2016 Dehler 36 SQ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dehler |
| Year | 1994–2007 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.85 m (35.6 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 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) | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.4 m² (510 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 55 L (14.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 133 L (35.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 Catalina 320 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Catalina 320 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1994 Catalina 320 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1994 Catalina 320 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is 1.10m longer than the 1994 Catalina 320. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1994 Catalina 320 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 · 2016 Dehler 36 SQ