1989 J/35 vs 2015 ClubSwan 36 — Comparison

1989 J/35
VS
2015 ClubSwan 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 J/352015 ClubSwan 36
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsNautor Swan
Year1989–19932015
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFinland
DesignerRod JohnstoneJuan Kouyoumdjian
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)9.90 m (32.5 ft)
Beam3.43 m (11.3 ft)3.30 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 J/35
19.46
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 J/35
43.48
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 J/35
0.79
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 J/35
16.84
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 J/35 and 2015 ClubSwan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian.

In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the 2015 ClubSwan 36 at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 0.33m longer than the 1989 J/35. The 1989 J/35 displaces approximately 9% 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 2015 ClubSwan 36, with an SA/D of 23.21 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36, 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 40L 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1989 J/35 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 · 2015 ClubSwan 36