Dufour 32 Classic vs 1973 Ranger 33 — Comparison
1973 Ranger 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 1973 Ranger 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Ranger |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 1973–1979 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 1973 Ranger 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1973 Ranger 33 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1973 Ranger 33 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1973 Ranger 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1973 Ranger 33 is 0.36m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 1973 Ranger 33 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 32 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of sail area. The 1973 Ranger 33, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 32 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 32 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1973 Ranger 33 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 42.9% for the 1973 Ranger 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 32 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1973 Ranger 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1973 Ranger 33 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 32 Classic 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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Or view individual specs: Dufour 32 Classic · 1973 Ranger 33