Catalina 34 vs Catalina 36
How do the Catalina 34 and Catalina 36 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 34 
Catalina 36 | Catalina 34 | Catalina 36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 34.5 ft10.52 m | 35.6 ft10.84 m |
| Waterline length | 29.8 ft9.09 m | 30.3 ft9.22 m |
| Beam | 11.8 ft3.58 m | 11.9 ft3.63 m |
| Draft | 5.6 ft1.70 m | 5.8 ft1.78 m |
| Displacement | 11,950 lb5,420 kg | 15,000 lb6,804 kg |
| Ballast | 5,000 lb2,268 kg | 6,000 lb2,722 kg |
| Sail area | 523 ft²48.6 m² | 555 ft²51.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.01 | 14.60 |
| Displacement / Length | 201 | 242 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.2 | 26.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.06 | 1.93 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.3 | 7.4 |
Catalina 34 vs Catalina 36: the short version
- The Catalina 36 is the larger boat at 35.6 ft10.84 m LOA versus 34.5 ft10.52 m for the Catalina 34.
- The Catalina 36 is heavier, displacing about 26% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Catalina 34 carries the more powerful rig (16.0 vs 14.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 36 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 36 rates better for offshore work (1.93 vs 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.