1963 Cal 40 vs 2000 Najad 355 — Comparison

1963 Cal 401963 Cal 40
VS
2000 Najad 355

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1963 Cal 402000 Najad 355
General
ManufacturerCalNajad
Year1963–19722000–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerBill LapworthJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)10.72 m (35.2 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)9.00 m (29.5 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)3.38 m (11.1 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)6,000 kg (13,228 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.3 m² (660 ft²)51.0 m² (549 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)110 L (29.1 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1963 Cal 40
16.97
2000 Najad 355
15.69
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1963 Cal 40
38.72
2000 Najad 355
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1963 Cal 40
0.70
2000 Najad 355
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1963 Cal 40
21.35
2000 Najad 355
20.10

Detailed Comparison

The 1963 Cal 40 and 2000 Najad 355 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1963 Cal 40 is a classic design by Cal from USA, while the 2000 Najad 355 is a 2000s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 1963 Cal 40 was penned by Bill Lapworth. The 2000 Najad 355 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1963 Cal 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 2000 Najad 355 at 10.72m (35.2ft) with a 3.38m beam. The 1963 Cal 40 is 1.47m longer than the 2000 Najad 355. The 1963 Cal 40 displaces approximately 17% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1963 Cal 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.97 and 61.3 m² of sail area. The 2000 Najad 355, with an SA/D of 15.69 and 51.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1963 Cal 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1963 Cal 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 2000 Najad 355 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 1963 Cal 40 and 40.0% for the 2000 Najad 355, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1963 Cal 40 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 2000 Najad 355 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 110L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1963 Cal 40 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 1963 Cal 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 1963 Cal 40 · 2000 Najad 355