1989 J/35 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison
2014 Elan 400
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1989 J/35 | 2014 Elan 400 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Elan |
| Year | 1989–1993 | 2014–2018 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Slovenia |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 12.07 m (39.6 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.50 m (34.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.43 m (11.3 ft) | 3.90 m (12.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 8,200 kg (18,078 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1989 J/35 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 1.40m longer than the 1989 J/35. The 2014 Elan 400 displaces approximately 57% 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 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 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 · 2014 Elan 400