1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F vs 1983 Tartan 37 — Comparison

1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F
VS
1983 Tartan 371983 Tartan 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F1983 Tartan 37
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyTartan
Year1986–19951983–1989
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenUSA
DesignerGerman FrersSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL10.20 m (33.5 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.90 m (12.8 ft)3.56 m (11.7 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)7,258 kg (16,001 lbs)
Ballast4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)3,084 kg (6,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area78.0 m² (840 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F
16.52
1983 Tartan 37
15.45
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F
40.00
1983 Tartan 37
42.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F
0.71
1983 Tartan 37
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F
21.84
1983 Tartan 37
21.48

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F and 1983 Tartan 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F is a 1980s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the 1983 Tartan 37 is a 1980s offering from Tartan from USA. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F was penned by German Frers. The 1983 Tartan 37 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.90m, compared to the 1983 Tartan 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F is 1.52m longer than the 1983 Tartan 37. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F displaces approximately 45% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.52 and 78.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Tartan 37, with an SA/D of 15.45 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1983 Tartan 37 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F and 42.5% for the 1983 Tartan 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 1983 Tartan 37 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F 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.

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Or view individual specs: 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F · 1983 Tartan 37