1997 Catalina 380 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison

1997 Catalina 3801997 Catalina 380
VS
2016 Dehler 36 SQ

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Catalina 3802016 Dehler 36 SQ
General
ManufacturerCatalinaDehler
Year1997–20052016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGerry DouglasJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)10.85 m (35.6 ft)
LWL9.75 m (32.0 ft)9.85 m (32.3 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area62.4 m² (672 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)55 L (14.5 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Catalina 380
16.24
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
18.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Catalina 380
41.17
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
32.73
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Catalina 380
0.75
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Catalina 380
19.41
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
16.07

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Catalina 380 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Catalina 380 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1997 Catalina 380 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1997 Catalina 380 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1997 Catalina 380 is 0.73m longer than the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ. The 1997 Catalina 380 displaces approximately 40% 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 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 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1997 Catalina 380 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L 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 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: 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 · 2016 Dehler 36 SQ