1983 Pearson 31 vs 1972 Ranger 29 — Comparison
1983 Pearson 31
1972 Ranger 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1983 Pearson 31 | 1972 Ranger 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Ranger |
| Year | 1983–1990 | 1972–1978 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.77 m (25.5 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 13 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1983 Pearson 31 and 1972 Ranger 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1983 Pearson 31 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1972 Ranger 29 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The 1983 Pearson 31 was penned by William Shaw. The 1972 Ranger 29 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the 1983 Pearson 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1972 Ranger 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1983 Pearson 31 is 0.61m longer than the 1972 Ranger 29. The 1983 Pearson 31 displaces approximately 36% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1983 Pearson 31 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.35 and 40.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ranger 29, with an SA/D of 16.47 and 35.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1972 Ranger 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1983 Pearson 31 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1972 Ranger 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.1% for the 1983 Pearson 31 and 42.9% for the 1972 Ranger 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1983 Pearson 31 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The 1972 Ranger 29 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Pearson 31 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 1972 Ranger 29 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.