1992 Moody 41 vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison

1992 Moody 411992 Moody 41
VS
1979 Cal 391979 Cal 39

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1992 Moody 411979 Cal 39
General
ManufacturerMoodyCal
Year1992–19981979–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUKUSA
DesignerBill DixonBill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt
Dimensions
LOA12.50 m (41.0 ft)11.89 m (39.0 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)9.60 m (31.5 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)8,165 kg (18,001 lbs)
Ballast3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area70.0 m² (754 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity360 L (95.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1992 Moody 41
15.53
1979 Cal 39
15.78
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1992 Moody 41
38.78
1979 Cal 39
41.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1992 Moody 41
0.72
1979 Cal 39
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1992 Moody 41
20.58
1979 Cal 39
21.05

Detailed Comparison

The 1992 Moody 41 and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1992 Moody 41 is a 1990s design by Moody from UK, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 1992 Moody 41 was penned by Bill Dixon. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.

In terms of size, the 1992 Moody 41 measures 12.50m (41.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1992 Moody 41 is 0.61m longer than the 1979 Cal 39. The 1992 Moody 41 displaces approximately 20% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1992 Moody 41 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.53 and 70.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Cal 39, with an SA/D of 15.78 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1979 Cal 39 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1992 Moody 41 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.8% for the 1992 Moody 41 and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1992 Moody 41 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 360L of water capacity and 180L of fuel. The 1979 Cal 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Cal 39 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 1979 Cal 39 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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