1983 Tartan 37 vs 1983 Pearson 31 — Comparison

1983 Tartan 371983 Tartan 37
VS
1983 Pearson 311983 Pearson 31

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1983 Tartan 371983 Pearson 31
General
ManufacturerTartanPearson
Year1983–19891983–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerSparkman & StephensWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA11.28 m (37.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)7.77 m (25.5 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)3.10 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,258 kg (16,001 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Ballast3,084 kg (6,799 lbs)1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.0 m² (614 ft²)40.0 m² (431 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)68 L (18.0 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1983 Tartan 37
15.45
1983 Pearson 31
15.35
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1983 Tartan 37
42.49
1983 Pearson 31
42.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1983 Tartan 37
0.74
1983 Pearson 31
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1983 Tartan 37
21.48
1983 Pearson 31
21.43

Detailed Comparison

The 1983 Tartan 37 and 1983 Pearson 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1983 Tartan 37 is a 1980s design by Tartan from USA, while the 1983 Pearson 31 is a 1980s offering from Pearson from USA. The 1983 Tartan 37 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The 1983 Pearson 31 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the 1983 Tartan 37 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 1983 Pearson 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1983 Tartan 37 is 1.83m longer than the 1983 Pearson 31. The 1983 Tartan 37 displaces approximately 68% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1983 Tartan 37 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.45 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Pearson 31, with an SA/D of 15.35 and 40.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1983 Tartan 37 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1983 Tartan 37 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1983 Pearson 31 has a comfort ratio of 21.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 42.5% for the 1983 Tartan 37 and 42.1% for the 1983 Pearson 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1983 Tartan 37 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1983 Pearson 31 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1983 Tartan 37 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 1983 Tartan 37 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1983 Tartan 37 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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Or view individual specs: 1983 Tartan 37 · 1983 Pearson 31