1981 Pearson 36 vs Dufour 385 Grand Large — Comparison
1981 Pearson 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 36 | Dufour 385 Grand Large |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Dufour |
| Year | 1981–1985 | 2006–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | William Shaw | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 11.53 m (37.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.68 m (12.1 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,124 kg (13,501 lbs) | 7,100 kg (15,653 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) | 2,150 kg (4,740 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.6 m² (555 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 36 and Dufour 385 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 36 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the Dufour 385 Grand Large is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 1981 Pearson 36 was penned by William Shaw. The Dufour 385 Grand Large was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 36 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Dufour 385 Grand Large at 11.53m (37.8ft) with a 3.68m beam. The Dufour 385 Grand Large is 0.86m longer than the 1981 Pearson 36. The Dufour 385 Grand Large displaces approximately 16% 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 Dufour 385 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 17.05 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 385 Grand Large 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 Dufour 385 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.7% for the 1981 Pearson 36 and 30.3% for the Dufour 385 Grand Large, 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 Dufour 385 Grand Large offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 130L 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 Dufour 385 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1981 Pearson 36 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: 1981 Pearson 36 · Dufour 385 Grand Large