1992 J/32 vs 2007 Elan 310 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1992 J/32 | 2007 Elan 310 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Elan |
| Year | 1992–1997 | 2007–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Slovenia |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.91 m (32.5 ft) | 9.34 m (30.6 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 8.10 m (26.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 48.4 m² (521 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1992 J/32 and 2007 Elan 310 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1992 J/32 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2007 Elan 310 is a 2000s offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 1992 J/32 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2007 Elan 310 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the 1992 J/32 measures 9.91m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the 2007 Elan 310 at 9.34m (30.6ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1992 J/32 is 0.57m longer than the 2007 Elan 310. The 2007 Elan 310 displaces approximately 17% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1992 J/32 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.00 and 48.4 m² of sail area. The 2007 Elan 310, with an SA/D of 15.66 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1992 J/32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1992 J/32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 2007 Elan 310 has a comfort ratio of 21.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1992 J/32 and 28.9% for the 2007 Elan 310, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1992 J/32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 2007 Elan 310 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2007 Elan 310 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 1992 J/32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1992 J/32 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: 1992 J/32 · 2007 Elan 310