Catalina 315 vs 1985 Contest 36 — Comparison
Catalina 315
1985 Contest 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 315 | 1985 Contest 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Contest |
| Year | 2014 | 1985–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.61 m (28.2 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 132 L (34.9 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 315 and 1985 Contest 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1985 Contest 36 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Catalina 315 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1985 Contest 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1985 Contest 36 is 1.52m longer than the Catalina 315. The 1985 Contest 36 displaces approximately 43% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 315 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.32 and 44.0 m² of sail area. The 1985 Contest 36, with an SA/D of 15.75 and 54.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 315 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 315 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1985 Contest 36 has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 315 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1985 Contest 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Contest 36 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 315 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1985 Contest 36 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 315 · 1985 Contest 36