Catalina 34 vs 36?

[jimm22n]

Hi Everyone,
I’m Jim and I love to sail. I learned to sail in small day sailors; 420, Laser, and 14-17’ day sailors in Norfolk VA in the early nineties. I’ve had an FJ-14’, two fixer uppers Catalina 22 & 27 neither of which did I actually sail, and a very nice Catalina 25. Now I have a nice fiancée in my life and she wants, you guessed it, a sailboat!
Our goal will be hanging out at the marina on the weekends and some local sails. We are in Corpus Christi TX. She and I hope to do “The Great Loop” in aprox 7 years when we both retire.I’m 6’3” and we want something big enough to be comfortable but easily controllable. We’d also like an aft cabin, walk-thru transom, and a wing keel for the loop should we actually go.
My questions are what are the differences between and merits vs. negatives of the 34’ vs. 36’ models?
Thanks,
Jim

[autumnbreeze27]

We had a 1991 Catalina 34 (mark 1.5 had the walk thru transom) and we loved the size. The 36 doesn't feel much bigger inside but you'll be paying more every month.

[klmmicro]

Like the layout of my 36 Mk I. The head is forward and the quarter birth is pretty big. Overall, they are similar in dimension. Both have similar beam and sail about the same. In my marina, it is the same price for a 36 as a 34 as they charge by the slip size and not by LOA.

[Jd1]

If I recall correctly, the 36 has noticeably more clearance above the rear sleeping area.

[jimm22n]

I had not considered the Catalina 34’ or 36’ since I was sure the Hunter 34’-37’ would be my boat because it has my 6’3” headroom. The problem is the Hunter seems to be of “lesser quality” than the Catalina. I’ll be here reading up on what info is available. I’m fond of Catalina simply because they seem to be the all around better boat. Thanks and I’ll be reading and learning.