1981 Pearson 36 vs Beneteau First 36.7 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 36
Beneteau First 36.7
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 36 | Beneteau First 36.7 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Beneteau |
| Year | 1981–1985 | 2002–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | William Shaw | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 11.25 m (36.9 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 9.65 m (31.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.58 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,124 kg (13,501 lbs) | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.6 m² (555 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 36 and Beneteau First 36.7 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 36 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the Beneteau First 36.7 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1981 Pearson 36 was penned by William Shaw. The Beneteau First 36.7 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 36 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Beneteau First 36.7 at 11.25m (36.9ft) with a 3.58m beam. The Beneteau First 36.7 is 0.58m longer than the 1981 Pearson 36. The 1981 Pearson 36 displaces approximately 6% 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 Beneteau First 36.7, with an SA/D of 20.46 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 36.7 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 Beneteau First 36.7 has a comfort ratio of 15.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 40.7% for the 1981 Pearson 36 and 36.2% for the Beneteau First 36.7, 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 Beneteau First 36.7 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L 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 Beneteau First 36.7 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 · Beneteau First 36.7