1997 Catalina 380 vs 2015 ClubSwan 36 — Comparison

1997 Catalina 3801997 Catalina 380
VS
2015 ClubSwan 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Catalina 3802015 ClubSwan 36
General
ManufacturerCatalinaNautor Swan
Year1997–20052015
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFinland
DesignerGerry DouglasJuan Kouyoumdjian
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL9.75 m (32.0 ft)9.90 m (32.5 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)3.30 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area62.4 m² (672 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths74
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Catalina 380
16.24
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Catalina 380
41.17
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Catalina 380
0.75
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Catalina 380
19.41
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Catalina 380 and 2015 ClubSwan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Catalina 380 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 1997 Catalina 380 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian.

In terms of size, the 1997 Catalina 380 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 2015 ClubSwan 36 at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 1997 Catalina 380 is 0.58m longer than the 2015 ClubSwan 36. The 1997 Catalina 380 displaces approximately 61% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1997 Catalina 380 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.24 and 62.4 m² of sail area. The 2015 ClubSwan 36, with an SA/D of 23.21 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1997 Catalina 380 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2015 ClubSwan 36 has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1997 Catalina 380 and 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1997 Catalina 380 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 40L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1997 Catalina 380 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 2015 ClubSwan 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 1997 Catalina 380 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: 1997 Catalina 380 · 2015 ClubSwan 36