2003 Catalina 310 vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison
2003 Catalina 310
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Catalina 310 | Catalina 36 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1999–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 6,577 kg (14,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.3 m² (488 ft²) | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Catalina 310 and Catalina 36 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Catalina 310 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2003 Catalina 310 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 36 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 2003 Catalina 310 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the Catalina 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The Catalina 36 MkII is 1.52m longer than the 2003 Catalina 310. The Catalina 36 MkII displaces approximately 45% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Catalina 310 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.80 and 45.3 m² of sail area. The Catalina 36 MkII, with an SA/D of 16.35 and 56.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2003 Catalina 310 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Catalina 310 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Catalina 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2003 Catalina 310 and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Catalina 310 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Catalina 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Catalina 310 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 2003 Catalina 310 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: 2003 Catalina 310 · Catalina 36 MkII