Dufour 32 Classic vs 1988 Westerly Corsair — Comparison
Dufour 32 Classic
1988 Westerly Corsair
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 1988 Westerly Corsair |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Westerly |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 1988–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | UK |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Ed Dubois |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 11.00 m (36.1 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 6,350 kg (13,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,450 kg (5,401 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Bilge |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 1988 Westerly Corsair represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1988 Westerly Corsair is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1988 Westerly Corsair was designed by Ed Dubois.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1988 Westerly Corsair at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.50m beam. The 1988 Westerly Corsair is 1.30m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 1988 Westerly Corsair displaces approximately 41% 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 1988 Westerly Corsair, with an SA/D of 14.81 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. 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 1988 Westerly Corsair has a comfort ratio of 19.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 38.6% for the 1988 Westerly Corsair, 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 1988 Westerly Corsair offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Westerly Corsair 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: The 1988 Westerly Corsair offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.