1978 Albin Ballad 30 vs Hanse 320 — Comparison

1978 Albin Ballad 30 1978 Albin Ballad 30
VS
Hanse 320 Hanse 320

Specifications Side by Side

Specification 1978 Albin Ballad 30 Hanse 320
General
Manufacturer Albin Hanse
Year 1978–1984 2005–2010
Type Sloop Sloop
Country Sweden Germany
Designer Rolf Magnusson judel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA 9.07 m (29.8 ft) 9.92 m (32.5 ft)
LWL 7.32 m (24.0 ft) 8.80 m (28.9 ft)
Beam 2.90 m (9.5 ft) 3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft 1.45 m (4.8 ft) 1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement 3,400 kg (7,496 lbs) 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Ballast 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs) 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 38.5 m² (414 ft²) 46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull Material Fiberglass Fiberglass
Keel Type Fin Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 12 HP 18 HP
Fuel Capacity 45 L (11.9 gal) 90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity 60 L (15.9 gal) 150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 5 6
Cabins 1 2

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1978 Albin Ballad 30
17.30
Hanse 320
16.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1978 Albin Ballad 30
42.65
Hanse 320
30.43
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1978 Albin Ballad 30
0.77
Hanse 320
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1978 Albin Ballad 30
20.56
Hanse 320
17.40

Detailed Comparison

The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 and Hanse 320 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 is a 1970s design by Albin from Sweden, while the Hanse 320 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 was penned by Rolf Magnusson. The Hanse 320 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 measures 9.07m (29.8ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the Hanse 320 at 9.92m (32.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The Hanse 320 is 0.85m longer than the 1978 Albin Ballad 30. The Hanse 320 displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.30 and 38.5 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 1978 Albin Ballad 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Hanse 320 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 42.7% for the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 and 30.4% for the Hanse 320, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1978 Albin Ballad 30 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 60L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The Hanse 320 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1978 Albin Ballad 30 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 1978 Albin Ballad 30 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hanse 320 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

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