1979 Peterson 44 vs 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 — Comparison

1979 Peterson 44
VS
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1979 Peterson 442005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
General
ManufacturerPetersonHallberg-Rassy
Year1979–19862005–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerDoug PetersonGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA13.41 m (44.0 ft)11.25 m (36.9 ft)
LWL10.67 m (35.0 ft)9.60 m (31.5 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.52 m (11.5 ft)
Draft2.13 m (7.0 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,979 kg (22,000 lbs)7,500 kg (16,535 lbs)
Ballast4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity265 L (70.0 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1979 Peterson 44
17.31
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
16.44
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1979 Peterson 44
40.91
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1979 Peterson 44
0.72
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1979 Peterson 44
19.21
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
21.15

Detailed Comparison

The 1979 Peterson 44 and 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1979 Peterson 44 is a 1970s design by Peterson from USA, while the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 is a 2000s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1979 Peterson 44 was penned by Doug Peterson. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the 1979 Peterson 44 measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 at 11.25m (36.9ft) with a 3.52m beam. The 1979 Peterson 44 is 2.16m longer than the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37. The 1979 Peterson 44 displaces approximately 33% 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37, with an SA/D of 16.44 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 has a comfort ratio of 21.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1979 Peterson 44 and 40.0% for the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37, 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 280L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1979 Peterson 44 · 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37