1965 Pearson Vanguard vs 1972 Ericson 32 — Comparison

1965 Pearson Vanguard1965 Pearson Vanguard
VS
1972 Ericson 321972 Ericson 32

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1965 Pearson Vanguard1972 Ericson 32
General
ManufacturerPearsonEricson
Year1965–19721972–1978
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerPhilip RhodesBruce King
Dimensions
LOA9.83 m (32.3 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL7.01 m (23.0 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
Beam2.84 m (9.3 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.22 m (4.0 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area36.0 m² (388 ft²)39.0 m² (420 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
14.32
1972 Ericson 32
14.97
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
41.11
1972 Ericson 32
42.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
0.71
1972 Ericson 32
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
25.31
1972 Ericson 32
21.98

Detailed Comparison

The 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 1972 Ericson 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the 1972 Ericson 32 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard was penned by Philip Rhodes. The 1972 Ericson 32 was designed by Bruce King.

In terms of size, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard measures 9.83m (32.3ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the 1972 Ericson 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is 0.08m longer than the 1972 Ericson 32. The 1972 Ericson 32 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.32 and 36.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ericson 32, with an SA/D of 14.97 and 39.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1972 Ericson 32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1972 Ericson 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 42.1% for the 1972 Ericson 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1972 Ericson 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1965 Pearson Vanguard 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 1972 Ericson 32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1972 Ericson 32 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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