1981 Pearson 36 vs 2015 ClubSwan 36 — Comparison

1981 Pearson 361981 Pearson 36
VS
2015 ClubSwan 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1981 Pearson 362015 ClubSwan 36
General
ManufacturerPearsonNautor Swan
Year1981–19852015
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFinland
DesignerWilliam ShawJuan Kouyoumdjian
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)9.90 m (32.5 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.30 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,124 kg (13,501 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area51.6 m² (555 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths74
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1981 Pearson 36
15.66
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1981 Pearson 36
40.74
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1981 Pearson 36
0.77
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1981 Pearson 36
20.04
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37

Detailed Comparison

The 1981 Pearson 36 and 2015 ClubSwan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 36 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 1981 Pearson 36 was penned by William Shaw. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian.

In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 36 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 2015 ClubSwan 36 at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 0.33m longer than the 1981 Pearson 36. The 1981 Pearson 36 displaces approximately 28% 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 2015 ClubSwan 36, with an SA/D of 23.21 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.7% for the 1981 Pearson 36 and 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36, 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 40L 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 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.

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