1972 Morgan 34 vs Dufour 365 Grand Large — Comparison

1972 Morgan 341972 Morgan 34
VS
Dufour 365 Grand Large

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1972 Morgan 34Dufour 365 Grand Large
General
ManufacturerMorganDufour
Year1972–19782003–2007
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerCharley MorganUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL8.08 m (26.5 ft)9.72 m (31.9 ft)
Beam3.25 m (10.7 ft)3.52 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)6,100 kg (13,448 lbs)
Ballast2,449 kg (5,399 lbs)1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.2 m² (540 ft²)57.5 m² (619 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)210 L (55.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1972 Morgan 34
15.63
Dufour 365 Grand Large
17.50
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1972 Morgan 34
41.53
Dufour 365 Grand Large
30.33
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1972 Morgan 34
0.72
Dufour 365 Grand Large
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1972 Morgan 34
24.55
Dufour 365 Grand Large
17.21

Detailed Comparison

The 1972 Morgan 34 and Dufour 365 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Morgan 34 is a 1970s design by Morgan from USA, while the Dufour 365 Grand Large is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 1972 Morgan 34 was penned by Charley Morgan. The Dufour 365 Grand Large was designed by Umberto Felci.

In terms of size, the 1972 Morgan 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the Dufour 365 Grand Large at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.52m beam. The Dufour 365 Grand Large is 0.61m longer than the 1972 Morgan 34. The Dufour 365 Grand Large displaces approximately 3% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1972 Morgan 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.63 and 50.2 m² of sail area. The Dufour 365 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 17.50 and 57.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 365 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1972 Morgan 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The Dufour 365 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.5% for the 1972 Morgan 34 and 30.3% for the Dufour 365 Grand Large, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1972 Morgan 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Dufour 365 Grand Large offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 210L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1972 Morgan 34 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large 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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