1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 vs Dufour 44 — Comparison

1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
VS
Dufour 44Dufour 44

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36Dufour 44
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyDufour
Year1989–20002005–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenFrance
DesignerGerman FrersUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA10.85 m (35.6 ft)13.20 m (43.3 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)11.55 m (37.9 ft)
Beam3.47 m (11.4 ft)4.10 m (13.5 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,257 kg (15,999 lbs)9,500 kg (20,944 lbs)
Ballast2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.5 m² (651 ft²)82.0 m² (883 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
16.40
Dufour 44
18.57
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
40.62
Dufour 44
31.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
0.72
Dufour 44
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36
22.82
Dufour 44
15.36

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 and Dufour 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 is a 1980s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the Dufour 44 is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 was penned by German Frers. The Dufour 44 was designed by Umberto Felci.

In terms of size, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 measures 10.85m (35.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.47m, compared to the Dufour 44 at 13.20m (43.3ft) with a 4.10m beam. The Dufour 44 is 2.35m longer than the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36. The Dufour 44 displaces approximately 31% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.40 and 60.5 m² of sail area. The Dufour 44, with an SA/D of 18.57 and 82.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 44 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The Dufour 44 has a comfort ratio of 15.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.6% for the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 and 31.6% for the Dufour 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 36 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The Dufour 44 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 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 Dufour 44 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Dufour 44 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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