1991 Najad 373 vs Dufour 470 — Comparison

1991 Najad 373
VS
Dufour 470Dufour 470

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1991 Najad 373Dufour 470
General
ManufacturerNajadDufour
Year1991–20022018
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenFrance
DesignerJudel/VrolijkFelci Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA11.28 m (37.0 ft)14.23 m (46.7 ft)
LWL8.99 m (29.5 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
Beam3.47 m (11.4 ft)4.39 m (14.4 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)2.25 m (7.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)11,200 kg (24,692 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.8 m² (654 ft²)94.0 m² (1,012 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP57 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)440 L (116.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths610
Cabins24

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1991 Najad 373
15.83
Dufour 470
19.07
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1991 Najad 373
41.17
Dufour 470
31.25
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1991 Najad 373
0.70
Dufour 470
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1991 Najad 373
24.12
Dufour 470
13.70

Detailed Comparison

The 1991 Najad 373 and Dufour 470 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Najad 373 is a 1990s design by Najad from Sweden, while the Dufour 470 is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The 1991 Najad 373 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The Dufour 470 was designed by Felci Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1991 Najad 373 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.47m, compared to the Dufour 470 at 14.23m (46.7ft) with a 4.39m beam. The Dufour 470 is 2.95m longer than the 1991 Najad 373. The Dufour 470 displaces approximately 45% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1991 Najad 373 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.83 and 60.8 m² of sail area. The Dufour 470, with an SA/D of 19.07 and 94.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 470 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1991 Najad 373 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The Dufour 470 has a comfort ratio of 13.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1991 Najad 373 and 31.3% for the Dufour 470, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1991 Najad 373 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The Dufour 470 offers 10 berths in 4 cabins with 440L water and 220L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1991 Najad 373 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 470 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Dufour 470 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: 1991 Najad 373 · Dufour 470