1965 Pearson Vanguard vs 1974 Morgan 33 — Comparison

1965 Pearson Vanguard1965 Pearson Vanguard
VS
1974 Morgan 331974 Morgan 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1965 Pearson Vanguard1974 Morgan 33
General
ManufacturerPearsonMorgan
Year1965–19721974–1980
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerPhilip RhodesCharlie Morgan
Dimensions
LOA9.83 m (32.3 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL7.01 m (23.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam2.84 m (9.3 ft)3.20 m (10.5 ft)
Draft1.22 m (4.0 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area36.0 m² (388 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
14.32
1974 Morgan 33
14.19
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
41.11
1974 Morgan 33
39.13
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
0.71
1974 Morgan 33
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
25.31
1974 Morgan 33
22.09

Detailed Comparison

The 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 1974 Morgan 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the 1974 Morgan 33 is a 1970s offering from Morgan from USA. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard was penned by Philip Rhodes. The 1974 Morgan 33 was designed by Charlie Morgan.

In terms of size, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard measures 9.83m (32.3ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the 1974 Morgan 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1974 Morgan 33 is 0.23m longer than the 1965 Pearson Vanguard. The 1974 Morgan 33 displaces approximately 28% 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 1974 Morgan 33, with an SA/D of 14.19 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard 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 1974 Morgan 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 39.1% for the 1974 Morgan 33, 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 1974 Morgan 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 76L 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 1965 Pearson Vanguard has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1974 Morgan 33 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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