1990 Feeling 32 vs 1984 Pearson 34 — Comparison

1990 Feeling 321990 Feeling 32
VS
1984 Pearson 341984 Pearson 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 Feeling 321984 Pearson 34
General
ManufacturerFeelingPearson
Year1990–19981984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerPhilippe HarléWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA9.85 m (32.3 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL8.20 m (26.9 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
Beam3.15 m (10.3 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.50 m (4.9 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,700 kg (10,362 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area40.0 m² (431 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)152 L (40.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 Feeling 32
14.49
1984 Pearson 34
15.11
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 Feeling 32
36.17
1984 Pearson 34
41.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 Feeling 32
0.75
1984 Pearson 34
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 Feeling 32
20.72
1984 Pearson 34
20.28

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 Feeling 32 and 1984 Pearson 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Feeling 32 is a 1990s design by Feeling from France, while the 1984 Pearson 34 is a 1980s offering from Pearson from USA. The 1990 Feeling 32 was penned by Philippe Harlé. The 1984 Pearson 34 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the 1990 Feeling 32 measures 9.85m (32.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.15m, compared to the 1984 Pearson 34 at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1984 Pearson 34 is 0.51m longer than the 1990 Feeling 32. The 1984 Pearson 34 displaces approximately 16% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1990 Feeling 32 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.49 and 40.0 m² of sail area. The 1984 Pearson 34, with an SA/D of 15.11 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1984 Pearson 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1990 Feeling 32 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1984 Pearson 34 has a comfort ratio of 20.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 36.2% for the 1990 Feeling 32 and 41.7% for the 1984 Pearson 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1990 Feeling 32 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 1984 Pearson 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 152L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Feeling 32 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 1984 Pearson 34 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1984 Pearson 34 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: 1990 Feeling 32 · 1984 Pearson 34