1969 Ericson 35 vs Hanse 342 — Comparison

1969 Ericson 35
VS
Hanse 342Hanse 342

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1969 Ericson 35Hanse 342
General
ManufacturerEricsonHanse
Year1969–19762006–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerBruce Kingjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
LWL7.92 m (26.0 ft)9.20 m (30.2 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)5,300 kg (11,684 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)1,650 kg (3,638 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area48.6 m² (523 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)100 L (26.4 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)
1969 Ericson 35
15.96
Hanse 342
17.38
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1969 Ericson 35
40.00
Hanse 342
31.13
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1969 Ericson 35
0.69
Hanse 342
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1969 Ericson 35
24.76
Hanse 342
17.57

Detailed Comparison

The 1969 Ericson 35 and Hanse 342 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1969 Ericson 35 is a classic design by Ericson from USA, while the Hanse 342 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1969 Ericson 35 was penned by Bruce King. The Hanse 342 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1969 Ericson 35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Hanse 342 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1969 Ericson 35 is 0.37m longer than the Hanse 342. The 1969 Ericson 35 displaces approximately 3% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1969 Ericson 35 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.96 and 48.6 m² of sail area. The Hanse 342, with an SA/D of 17.38 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hanse 342 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1969 Ericson 35 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The Hanse 342 has a comfort ratio of 17.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1969 Ericson 35 and 31.1% for the Hanse 342, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1969 Ericson 35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Hanse 342 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1969 Ericson 35 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 Hanse 342 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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