1975 Pearson 39 vs 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 — Comparison

1975 Pearson 391975 Pearson 39
VS
2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1975 Pearson 392014 Hallberg-Rassy 48
General
ManufacturerPearsonHallberg-Rassy
Year1975–19802014–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerWilliam ShawGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA11.89 m (39.0 ft)14.73 m (48.3 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)12.70 m (41.7 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)4.35 m (14.3 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)14,500 kg (31,967 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)5,300 kg (11,684 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.8 m² (654 ft²)101.0 m² (1,087 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP110 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)650 L (171.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1975 Pearson 39
15.83
2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48
17.25
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1975 Pearson 39
41.17
2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48
36.55
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1975 Pearson 39
0.71
2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1975 Pearson 39
21.46
2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48
17.74

Detailed Comparison

The 1975 Pearson 39 and 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Pearson 39 is a 1970s design by Pearson from USA, while the 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 is a modern offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1975 Pearson 39 was penned by William Shaw. The 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the 1975 Pearson 39 measures 11.89m (39.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 at 14.73m (48.3ft) with a 4.35m beam. The 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 is 2.84m longer than the 1975 Pearson 39. The 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 displaces approximately 88% 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 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48, with an SA/D of 17.25 and 101.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 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 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 has a comfort ratio of 17.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1975 Pearson 39 and 36.6% for the 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48, 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 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 650L water and 380L 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 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48 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: 1975 Pearson 39 · 2014 Hallberg-Rassy 48