Dockrell 37 vs Freedom 36 Cat Ketch
How do the Dockrell 37 and Freedom 36 Cat Ketch compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Dockrell 37 Dockrell Yachts · 1981 Freedom 36 Cat Ketch Tillotson Pearson Inc (Freedom Yachts) · 1985 | Dockrell 37 | Freedom 36 Cat Ketch | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 36.5 ft11.13 m | 36.4 ft11.10 m |
| Waterline length | 30.0 ft9.14 m | 30.6 ft9.32 m |
| Beam | 10.2 ft3.10 m | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Draft | 7.5 ft2.29 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 16,000 lb7,257 kg | 13,400 lb6,078 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 492 ft²45.7 m² | 682 ft²63.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 12.40 | 19.34 |
| Displacement / Length | 265 | 209 |
| Comfort ratio | 35.2 | 22.2 |
| Capsize screening | 1.61 | 2.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.3 | 7.4 |
Dockrell 37 vs Freedom 36 Cat Ketch: the short version
- The Dockrell 37 and Freedom 36 Cat Ketch are close in length (36.5 ft11.13 m vs 36.4 ft11.10 m ).
- The Dockrell 37 is heavier, displacing about 19% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Freedom 36 Cat Ketch carries the more powerful rig (19.3 vs 12.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Dockrell 37 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Dockrell 37 rates better for offshore work (1.61 vs 2.11).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.