1990 Morgan 38 vs Dufour 375 Grand Large — Comparison

1990 Morgan 381990 Morgan 38
VS
Dufour 375 Grand Large

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 Morgan 38Dufour 375 Grand Large
General
ManufacturerMorganDufour
Year1990–19962009–2013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerTed BrewerFelci Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)11.38 m (37.3 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)10.05 m (33.0 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)3.65 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)6,800 kg (14,991 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.8 m² (665 ft²)61.0 m² (657 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)240 L (63.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 Morgan 38
16.41
Dufour 375 Grand Large
17.27
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 Morgan 38
42.42
Dufour 375 Grand Large
30.88
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 Morgan 38
0.73
Dufour 375 Grand Large
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 Morgan 38
20.82
Dufour 375 Grand Large
17.06

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 Morgan 38 and Dufour 375 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Morgan 38 is a 1990s design by Morgan from USA, while the Dufour 375 Grand Large is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 1990 Morgan 38 was penned by Ted Brewer. The Dufour 375 Grand Large was designed by Felci Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1990 Morgan 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the Dufour 375 Grand Large at 11.38m (37.3ft) with a 3.65m beam. The 1990 Morgan 38 is 0.20m longer than the Dufour 375 Grand Large. The 1990 Morgan 38 displaces approximately 10% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1990 Morgan 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.41 and 61.8 m² of sail area. The Dufour 375 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 17.27 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 375 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1990 Morgan 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The Dufour 375 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1990 Morgan 38 and 30.9% for the Dufour 375 Grand Large, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1990 Morgan 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Dufour 375 Grand Large offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 240L water and 130L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Morgan 38 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 Dufour 375 Grand Large 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 Morgan 38 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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