1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur vs 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 — Comparison

1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
VS
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
General
ManufacturerWauquiezBeneteau
Year1988–19982009–2013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerJean-Marie FinotFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA10.21 m (33.5 ft)10.44 m (34.3 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)9.20 m (30.2 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.42 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)5,550 kg (12,236 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area47.0 m² (506 ft²)51.0 m² (549 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity90 L (23.8 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity170 L (44.9 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
15.43
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
16.53
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
41.67
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
28.83
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
0.75
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
21.56
2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34
18.09

Detailed Comparison

The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur and 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is a 1980s design by Wauquiez from France, while the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur was penned by Jean-Marie Finot. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur measures 10.21m (33.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 at 10.44m (34.3ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is 0.23m longer than the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 displaces approximately 2% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.43 and 47.0 m² of sail area. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, with an SA/D of 16.53 and 51.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur and 28.8% for the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L of water capacity and 90L of fuel. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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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