1978 Pearson 30 vs 1975 Ericson 25+ — Comparison

1978 Pearson 301978 Pearson 30
VS
1975 Ericson 25+

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1978 Pearson 301975 Ericson 25+
General
ManufacturerPearsonEricson
Year1978–19831975–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerWilliam ShawBruce King
Dimensions
LOA9.14 m (30.0 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
LWL7.47 m (24.5 ft)6.25 m (20.5 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)2.44 m (8.0 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.22 m (4.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)1,905 kg (4,200 lbs)
Ballast1,497 kg (3,300 lbs)726 kg (1,601 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area39.3 m² (423 ft²)25.0 m² (269 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP7 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)23 L (6.1 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1978 Pearson 30
16.91
1975 Ericson 25+
16.54
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1978 Pearson 30
41.25
1975 Ericson 25+
38.11
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1978 Pearson 30
0.79
1975 Ericson 25+
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1978 Pearson 30
19.87
1975 Ericson 25+
20.11

Detailed Comparison

The 1978 Pearson 30 and 1975 Ericson 25+ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Pearson 30 is a 1970s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1975 Ericson 25+ is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The 1978 Pearson 30 was penned by William Shaw. The 1975 Ericson 25+ was designed by Bruce King.

In terms of size, the 1978 Pearson 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1975 Ericson 25+ at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1978 Pearson 30 is 1.52m longer than the 1975 Ericson 25+. The 1978 Pearson 30 displaces approximately 90% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1978 Pearson 30 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.91 and 39.3 m² of sail area. The 1975 Ericson 25+, with an SA/D of 16.54 and 25.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1978 Pearson 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1978 Pearson 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1975 Ericson 25+ has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 41.3% for the 1978 Pearson 30 and 38.1% for the 1975 Ericson 25+, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1978 Pearson 30 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1975 Ericson 25+ offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 45L water and 23L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Ericson 25+ 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 Pearson 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 1978 Pearson 30 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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