1980 Peterson 34 vs 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1980 Peterson 34 | 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Peterson | Beneteau |
| Year | 1980–1986 | 2009–2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Doug Peterson | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 10.44 m (34.3 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.20 m (30.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 5,550 kg (12,236 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.1 m² (550 ft²) | 51.0 m² (549 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1980 Peterson 34 and 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1980 Peterson 34 is a 1980s design by Peterson from USA, while the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1980 Peterson 34 was penned by Doug Peterson. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the 1980 Peterson 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 at 10.44m (34.3ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is 0.08m longer than the 1980 Peterson 34. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1980 Peterson 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.26 and 51.1 m² of sail area. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, with an SA/D of 16.53 and 51.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1980 Peterson 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1980 Peterson 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1980 Peterson 34 and 28.8% for the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1980 Peterson 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Peterson 34 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 1980 Peterson 34 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1980 Peterson 34 · 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34