1975 Pearson 39 vs Hanse 388 — Comparison

1975 Pearson 391975 Pearson 39
VS
Hanse 388

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1975 Pearson 39Hanse 388
General
ManufacturerPearsonHanse
Year1975–19802017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerWilliam Shawjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA11.89 m (39.0 ft)11.40 m (37.4 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)10.34 m (33.9 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.73 m (12.2 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)7,200 kg (15,873 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.8 m² (654 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)260 L (68.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1975 Pearson 39
15.83
Hanse 388
17.17
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1975 Pearson 39
41.17
Hanse 388
30.56
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1975 Pearson 39
0.71
Hanse 388
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1975 Pearson 39
21.46
Hanse 388
16.86

Detailed Comparison

The 1975 Pearson 39 and Hanse 388 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Pearson 39 is a 1970s design by Pearson from USA, while the Hanse 388 is a modern offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1975 Pearson 39 was penned by William Shaw. The Hanse 388 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1975 Pearson 39 measures 11.89m (39.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Hanse 388 at 11.40m (37.4ft) with a 3.73m beam. The 1975 Pearson 39 is 0.49m longer than the Hanse 388. The 1975 Pearson 39 displaces approximately 7% 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 Hanse 388, with an SA/D of 17.17 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hanse 388 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 Hanse 388 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1975 Pearson 39 and 30.6% for the Hanse 388, 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 Hanse 388 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L water and 140L 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 Hanse 388 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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