1973 Islander 37 vs Hanse 320 — Comparison

1973 Islander 371973 Islander 37
VS
Hanse 320Hanse 320

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1973 Islander 37Hanse 320
General
ManufacturerIslanderHanse
Year1973–19782005–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerAlan Gurneyjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA11.28 m (37.0 ft)9.92 m (32.5 ft)
LWL8.69 m (28.5 ft)8.80 m (28.9 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area54.5 m² (587 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1973 Islander 37
15.77
Hanse 320
16.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1973 Islander 37
41.39
Hanse 320
30.43
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1973 Islander 37
0.70
Hanse 320
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1973 Islander 37
23.18
Hanse 320
17.40

Detailed Comparison

The 1973 Islander 37 and Hanse 320 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1973 Islander 37 is a 1970s design by Islander from USA, while the Hanse 320 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1973 Islander 37 was penned by Alan Gurney. The Hanse 320 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1973 Islander 37 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Hanse 320 at 9.92m (32.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The 1973 Islander 37 is 1.36m longer than the Hanse 320. The 1973 Islander 37 displaces approximately 43% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1973 Islander 37 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.77 and 54.5 m² of sail area. The Hanse 320, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hanse 320 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1973 Islander 37 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The Hanse 320 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 41.4% for the 1973 Islander 37 and 30.4% for the Hanse 320, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1973 Islander 37 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Hanse 320 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1973 Islander 37 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 320 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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Or view individual specs: 1973 Islander 37 · Hanse 320