1998 Catalina 42 vs 1998 Feeling 44 — Comparison

1998 Catalina 421998 Catalina 42
VS
1998 Feeling 44

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Catalina 421998 Feeling 44
General
ManufacturerCatalinaFeeling
Year1998–20041998–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGerry DouglasPhilippe Harlé / Mortain & Mavrikios
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)11.50 m (37.7 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)4.10 m (13.5 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)4,000 kg (8,818 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area72.5 m² (780 ft²)82.0 m² (883 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Catalina 42
16.39
1998 Feeling 44
17.37
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Catalina 42
40.48
1998 Feeling 44
38.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Catalina 42
0.75
1998 Feeling 44
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Catalina 42
17.96
1998 Feeling 44
16.90

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Catalina 42 and 1998 Feeling 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Catalina 42 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1998 Feeling 44 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 1998 Catalina 42 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1998 Feeling 44 was designed by Philippe Harlé / Mortain & Mavrikios.

In terms of size, the 1998 Catalina 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1998 Feeling 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 4.10m beam. The 1998 Feeling 44 is 0.61m longer than the 1998 Catalina 42. The 1998 Feeling 44 displaces approximately 10% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1998 Catalina 42 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.39 and 72.5 m² of sail area. The 1998 Feeling 44, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 82.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1998 Feeling 44 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1998 Catalina 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1998 Feeling 44 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.5% for the 1998 Catalina 42 and 38.1% for the 1998 Feeling 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1998 Catalina 42 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 1998 Feeling 44 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1998 Catalina 42 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 1998 Feeling 44 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: 1998 Catalina 42 · 1998 Feeling 44