1990 J/40 vs 2015 ClubSwan 36 — Comparison

1990 J/40
VS
2015 ClubSwan 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 J/402015 ClubSwan 36
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsNautor Swan
Year1990–19952015
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFinland
DesignerRod JohnstoneJuan Kouyoumdjian
Dimensions
LOA12.30 m (40.4 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL10.21 m (33.5 ft)9.90 m (32.5 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.30 m (10.8 ft)
Draft2.08 m (6.8 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area72.5 m² (780 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 J/40
18.87
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 J/40
44.12
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 J/40
0.74
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 J/40
17.98
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 J/40 and 2015 ClubSwan 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 J/40 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 1990 J/40 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian.

In terms of size, the 1990 J/40 measures 12.30m (40.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 2015 ClubSwan 36 at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 1990 J/40 is 1.30m longer than the 2015 ClubSwan 36. The 1990 J/40 displaces approximately 61% 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 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 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has a comfort ratio of 14.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 44.1% for the 1990 J/40 and 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36, 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 40L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 J/40 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 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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