1989 J/35 vs 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 — Comparison

1989 J/35
VS
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 372008 Beneteau Oceanis 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 J/352008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsBeneteau
Year1989–19932008–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRod JohnstoneFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)11.35 m (37.2 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)9.93 m (32.6 ft)
Beam3.43 m (11.3 ft)3.72 m (12.2 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)6,680 kg (14,727 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)59.0 m² (635 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 J/35
19.46
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
16.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 J/35
43.48
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
29.94
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 J/35
0.79
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 J/35
16.84
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
16.63

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 J/35 and 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 at 11.35m (37.2ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is 0.68m longer than the 1989 J/35. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 displaces approximately 28% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1989 J/35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.46 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 59.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1989 J/35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1989 J/35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 29.9% for the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1989 J/35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1989 J/35 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 1989 J/35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 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: 1989 J/35 · 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37