1965 Pearson Vanguard vs Beneteau First 24 — Comparison

1965 Pearson Vanguard1965 Pearson Vanguard
VS
Beneteau First 24

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1965 Pearson VanguardBeneteau First 24
General
ManufacturerPearsonBeneteau
Year1965–19722008–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerPhilip RhodesJean Berret
Dimensions
LOA9.83 m (32.3 ft)7.20 m (23.6 ft)
LWL7.01 m (23.0 ft)6.45 m (21.2 ft)
Beam2.84 m (9.3 ft)2.50 m (8.2 ft)
Draft1.22 m (4.0 ft)1.40 m (4.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)460 kg (1,014 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area36.0 m² (388 ft²)27.0 m² (291 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP6 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)20 L (5.3 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths54
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
14.32
Beneteau First 24
21.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
41.11
Beneteau First 24
32.86
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
0.71
Beneteau First 24
0.89
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
25.31
Beneteau First 24
14.25

Detailed Comparison

The 1965 Pearson Vanguard and Beneteau First 24 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the Beneteau First 24 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard was penned by Philip Rhodes. The Beneteau First 24 was designed by Jean Berret.

In terms of size, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard measures 9.83m (32.3ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the Beneteau First 24 at 7.20m (23.6ft) with a 2.50m beam. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is 2.63m longer than the Beneteau First 24. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard displaces approximately 192% 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 Beneteau First 24, with an SA/D of 21.93 and 27.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 24 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 Beneteau First 24 has a comfort ratio of 14.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.89. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 32.9% for the Beneteau First 24, 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 Beneteau First 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 20L 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 Beneteau First 24 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1965 Pearson Vanguard 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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