1981 Pearson 36 vs 2001 Tartan 4100 — Comparison

1981 Pearson 361981 Pearson 36
VS
2001 Tartan 4100

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1981 Pearson 362001 Tartan 4100
General
ManufacturerPearsonTartan
Year1981–19852001–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerWilliam ShawTim Jackett
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)12.50 m (41.0 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)10.67 m (35.0 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.96 m (13.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)2.13 m (7.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,124 kg (13,501 lbs)9,525 kg (20,999 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area51.6 m² (555 ft²)75.0 m² (807 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)340 L (89.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1981 Pearson 36
15.66
2001 Tartan 4100
16.96
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1981 Pearson 36
40.74
2001 Tartan 4100
40.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1981 Pearson 36
0.77
2001 Tartan 4100
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1981 Pearson 36
20.04
2001 Tartan 4100
18.59

Detailed Comparison

The 1981 Pearson 36 and 2001 Tartan 4100 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 36 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 2001 Tartan 4100 is a 2000s offering from Tartan from USA. The 1981 Pearson 36 was penned by William Shaw. The 2001 Tartan 4100 was designed by Tim Jackett.

In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 36 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 2001 Tartan 4100 at 12.50m (41.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The 2001 Tartan 4100 is 1.83m longer than the 1981 Pearson 36. The 2001 Tartan 4100 displaces approximately 56% 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 2001 Tartan 4100, with an SA/D of 16.96 and 75.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2001 Tartan 4100 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 2001 Tartan 4100 has a comfort ratio of 18.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.7% for the 1981 Pearson 36 and 40.5% for the 2001 Tartan 4100, 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 2001 Tartan 4100 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 340L water and 170L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1981 Pearson 36 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 2001 Tartan 4100 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: 1981 Pearson 36 · 2001 Tartan 4100