1990 J/40 vs 1990 Feeling 32 — Comparison

1990 J/40
VS
1990 Feeling 321990 Feeling 32

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 J/401990 Feeling 32
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsFeeling
Year1990–19951990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRod JohnstonePhilippe Harlé
Dimensions
LOA12.30 m (40.4 ft)9.85 m (32.3 ft)
LWL10.21 m (33.5 ft)8.20 m (26.9 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.15 m (10.3 ft)
Draft2.08 m (6.8 ft)1.50 m (4.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)4,700 kg (10,362 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area72.5 m² (780 ft²)40.0 m² (431 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 J/40
18.87
1990 Feeling 32
14.49
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 J/40
44.12
1990 Feeling 32
36.17
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 J/40
0.74
1990 Feeling 32
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 J/40
17.98
1990 Feeling 32
20.72

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 J/40 and 1990 Feeling 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 J/40 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1990 Feeling 32 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 1990 J/40 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1990 Feeling 32 was designed by Philippe Harlé.

In terms of size, the 1990 J/40 measures 12.30m (40.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 1990 Feeling 32 at 9.85m (32.3ft) with a 3.15m beam. The 1990 J/40 is 2.45m longer than the 1990 Feeling 32. The 1990 J/40 displaces approximately 64% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1990 J/40 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.87 and 72.5 m² of sail area. The 1990 Feeling 32, with an SA/D of 14.49 and 40.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1990 J/40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1990 J/40 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1990 Feeling 32 has a comfort ratio of 20.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 44.1% for the 1990 J/40 and 36.2% for the 1990 Feeling 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1990 J/40 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1990 Feeling 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 60L 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 1990 J/40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1990 J/40 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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