Catalina 34 vs Tartan 34-2
How do the Catalina 34 and Tartan 34-2 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 34 
Tartan 34-2 | Catalina 34 | Tartan 34-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 34.5 ft10.52 m | 34.4 ft10.49 m |
| Waterline length | 29.8 ft9.09 m | 28.8 ft8.79 m |
| Beam | 11.8 ft3.58 m | 11.0 ft3.34 m |
| Draft | 5.6 ft1.70 m | 6.3 ft1.91 m |
| Displacement | 11,950 lb5,420 kg | 11,000 lb4,990 kg |
| Ballast | 5,000 lb2,268 kg | 4,400 lb1,996 kg |
| Sail area | 523 ft²48.6 m² | 538 ft²50.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.01 | 17.40 |
| Displacement / Length | 201 | 205 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.2 | 23.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.06 | 1.97 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.3 | 7.2 |
Catalina 34 vs Tartan 34-2: the short version
- The Catalina 34 and Tartan 34-2 are close in length (34.5 ft10.52 m vs 34.4 ft10.49 m ).
- The Catalina 34 is heavier, displacing about 9% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Tartan 34-2 carries the more powerful rig (17.4 vs 16.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Tartan 34-2 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Tartan 34-2 rates better for offshore work (1.97 vs 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.