1981 Pearson 36 vs Hanse 415 — Comparison

1981 Pearson 361981 Pearson 36
VS
Hanse 415

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1981 Pearson 36Hanse 415
General
ManufacturerPearsonHanse
Year1981–19852011–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerWilliam Shawjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)12.40 m (40.7 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)10.90 m (35.8 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.96 m (13.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,124 kg (13,501 lbs)8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)2,650 kg (5,842 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area51.6 m² (555 ft²)73.0 m² (786 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)310 L (81.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1981 Pearson 36
15.66
Hanse 415
17.81
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1981 Pearson 36
40.74
Hanse 415
31.18
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1981 Pearson 36
0.77
Hanse 415
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1981 Pearson 36
20.04
Hanse 415
16.21

Detailed Comparison

The 1981 Pearson 36 and Hanse 415 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 36 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the Hanse 415 is a modern offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1981 Pearson 36 was penned by William Shaw. The Hanse 415 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 36 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Hanse 415 at 12.40m (40.7ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Hanse 415 is 1.73m longer than the 1981 Pearson 36. The Hanse 415 displaces approximately 39% 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 Hanse 415, with an SA/D of 17.81 and 73.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hanse 415 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 Hanse 415 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.7% for the 1981 Pearson 36 and 31.2% for the Hanse 415, 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 Hanse 415 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 310L 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 Hanse 415 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hanse 415 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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