Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 vs Catalina 36 MkII — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
VS
Catalina 36 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Fast 3200Catalina 36 MkII
General
ManufacturerJeanneauCatalina
Year2010–20181999–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerDaniel AndrieuGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA9.72 m (31.9 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL8.92 m (29.3 ft)9.60 m (31.5 ft)
Beam3.25 m (10.7 ft)3.55 m (11.6 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,900 kg (8,598 lbs)6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)
Ballast1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.0 m² (538 ft²)56.5 m² (608 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP27 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)189 L (49.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths47
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
20.51
Catalina 36 MkII
16.35
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
38.46
Catalina 36 MkII
37.94
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
0.83
Catalina 36 MkII
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
14.86
Catalina 36 MkII
18.65

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 and Catalina 36 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Catalina 36 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The Catalina 36 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 measures 9.72m (31.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the Catalina 36 MkII at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.55m beam. The Catalina 36 MkII is 1.25m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200. The Catalina 36 MkII displaces approximately 69% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.51 and 50.0 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The Catalina 36 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 and 37.9% for the Catalina 36 MkII, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 80L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The Catalina 36 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 36 MkII 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 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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