1979 Peterson 44 vs 1997 Tartan 3700 — Comparison

1979 Peterson 44
VS
1997 Tartan 3700

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1979 Peterson 441997 Tartan 3700
General
ManufacturerPetersonTartan
Year1979–19861997–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerDoug PetersonTim Jackett
Dimensions
LOA13.41 m (44.0 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL10.67 m (35.0 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft2.13 m (7.0 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,979 kg (22,000 lbs)7,031 kg (15,501 lbs)
Ballast4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Water Capacity265 L (70.0 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1979 Peterson 44
17.31
1997 Tartan 3700
17.16
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1979 Peterson 44
40.91
1997 Tartan 3700
41.93
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1979 Peterson 44
0.72
1997 Tartan 3700
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1979 Peterson 44
19.21
1997 Tartan 3700
18.41

Detailed Comparison

The 1979 Peterson 44 and 1997 Tartan 3700 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1979 Peterson 44 is a 1970s design by Peterson from USA, while the 1997 Tartan 3700 is a 1990s offering from Tartan from USA. The 1979 Peterson 44 was penned by Doug Peterson. The 1997 Tartan 3700 was designed by Tim Jackett.

In terms of size, the 1979 Peterson 44 measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1997 Tartan 3700 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1979 Peterson 44 is 2.13m longer than the 1997 Tartan 3700. The 1979 Peterson 44 displaces approximately 42% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1979 Peterson 44 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.31 and 79.0 m² of sail area. The 1997 Tartan 3700, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1979 Peterson 44 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1979 Peterson 44 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1997 Tartan 3700 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1979 Peterson 44 and 41.9% for the 1997 Tartan 3700, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1979 Peterson 44 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 265L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 1997 Tartan 3700 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 220L water and 130L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Peterson 44 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 1979 Peterson 44 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1979 Peterson 44 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: 1979 Peterson 44 · 1997 Tartan 3700