1981 Pearson 36 vs 1986 Westerly Oceanlord — Comparison

1981 Pearson 361981 Pearson 36
VS
1986 Westerly Oceanlord

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1981 Pearson 361986 Westerly Oceanlord
General
ManufacturerPearsonWesterly
Year1981–19851986–1992
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerWilliam ShawEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)12.04 m (39.5 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.81 m (12.5 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,124 kg (13,501 lbs)9,980 kg (22,002 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area51.6 m² (555 ft²)68.0 m² (732 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP50 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)182 L (48.1 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)340 L (89.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1981 Pearson 36
15.66
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
14.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1981 Pearson 36
40.74
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
36.36
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1981 Pearson 36
0.77
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1981 Pearson 36
20.04
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
23.70

Detailed Comparison

The 1981 Pearson 36 and 1986 Westerly Oceanlord represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 36 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The 1981 Pearson 36 was penned by William Shaw. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 36 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord at 12.04m (39.5ft) with a 3.81m beam. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord is 1.37m longer than the 1981 Pearson 36. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord displaces approximately 63% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1981 Pearson 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.66 and 51.6 m² of sail area. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1981 Pearson 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1981 Pearson 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 40.7% for the 1981 Pearson 36 and 36.4% for the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1981 Pearson 36 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 340L water and 182L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord 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 1981 Pearson 36 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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