Catalina 36 MkII vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 36 MkII | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Contest |
| Year | 1999–2006 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 36 MkII and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Catalina 36 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Catalina 36 MkII measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Catalina 36 MkII is 0.91m longer than the 1980 Contest 33. The Catalina 36 MkII displaces approximately 26% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 36 MkII has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of sail area. The 1980 Contest 33, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Catalina 36 MkII has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 36 MkII offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 36 MkII provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The 1980 Contest 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Contest 33 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 Catalina 36 MkII has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Catalina 36 MkII 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: Catalina 36 MkII · 1980 Contest 33