1975 Pearson 39 vs 1993 Feeling 36 — Comparison

1975 Pearson 391975 Pearson 39
VS
1993 Feeling 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1975 Pearson 391993 Feeling 36
General
ManufacturerPearsonFeeling
Year1975–19801993–2001
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerWilliam ShawPhilippe Harlé
Dimensions
LOA11.89 m (39.0 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.52 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.65 m (5.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)6,200 kg (13,669 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.8 m² (654 ft²)53.0 m² (571 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP25 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1975 Pearson 39
15.83
1993 Feeling 36
15.96
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1975 Pearson 39
41.17
1993 Feeling 36
37.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1975 Pearson 39
0.71
1993 Feeling 36
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1975 Pearson 39
21.46
1993 Feeling 36
18.55

Detailed Comparison

The 1975 Pearson 39 and 1993 Feeling 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Pearson 39 is a 1970s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1993 Feeling 36 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 1975 Pearson 39 was penned by William Shaw. The 1993 Feeling 36 was designed by Philippe Harlé.

In terms of size, the 1975 Pearson 39 measures 11.89m (39.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 1993 Feeling 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.52m beam. The 1975 Pearson 39 is 0.92m longer than the 1993 Feeling 36. The 1975 Pearson 39 displaces approximately 24% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1975 Pearson 39 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.83 and 60.8 m² of sail area. The 1993 Feeling 36, with an SA/D of 15.96 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1993 Feeling 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1975 Pearson 39 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1993 Feeling 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1975 Pearson 39 and 37.1% for the 1993 Feeling 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1975 Pearson 39 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1993 Feeling 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Pearson 39 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 1993 Feeling 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1975 Pearson 39 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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