1975 Pearson 39 vs 2013 Elan 350 — Comparison

1975 Pearson 391975 Pearson 39
VS
2013 Elan 350

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1975 Pearson 392013 Elan 350
General
ManufacturerPearsonElan
Year1975–19802013–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASlovenia
DesignerWilliam ShawRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA11.89 m (39.0 ft)10.67 m (35.0 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.46 m (11.4 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)6,100 kg (13,448 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.8 m² (654 ft²)58.0 m² (624 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1975 Pearson 39
15.83
2013 Elan 350
17.65
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1975 Pearson 39
41.17
2013 Elan 350
30.33
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1975 Pearson 39
0.71
2013 Elan 350
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1975 Pearson 39
21.46
2013 Elan 350
19.02

Detailed Comparison

The 1975 Pearson 39 and 2013 Elan 350 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Pearson 39 is a 1970s design by Pearson from USA, while the 2013 Elan 350 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 1975 Pearson 39 was penned by William Shaw. The 2013 Elan 350 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 1975 Pearson 39 measures 11.89m (39.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 2013 Elan 350 at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.46m beam. The 1975 Pearson 39 is 1.22m longer than the 2013 Elan 350. The 1975 Pearson 39 displaces approximately 26% 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 2013 Elan 350, with an SA/D of 17.65 and 58.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2013 Elan 350 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 2013 Elan 350 has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1975 Pearson 39 and 30.3% for the 2013 Elan 350, 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 2013 Elan 350 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 80L 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 2013 Elan 350 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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Or view individual specs: 1975 Pearson 39 · 2013 Elan 350