1995 Feeling 39 vs 1979 Pearson 37 — Comparison

1995 Feeling 39
VS
1979 Pearson 371979 Pearson 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1995 Feeling 391979 Pearson 37
General
ManufacturerFeelingPearson
Year1995–20031979–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerPhilippe HarléWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA11.80 m (38.7 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL10.06 m (33.0 ft)8.69 m (28.5 ft)
Beam3.78 m (12.4 ft)3.43 m (11.3 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)7,258 kg (16,001 lbs)
Ballast3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)3,084 kg (6,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.0 m² (710 ft²)56.0 m² (603 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)190 L (50.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1995 Feeling 39
17.05
1979 Pearson 37
15.18
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1995 Feeling 39
38.46
1979 Pearson 37
42.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1995 Feeling 39
0.76
1979 Pearson 37
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1995 Feeling 39
18.21
1979 Pearson 37
24.10

Detailed Comparison

The 1995 Feeling 39 and 1979 Pearson 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 Feeling 39 is a 1990s design by Feeling from France, while the 1979 Pearson 37 is a 1970s offering from Pearson from USA. The 1995 Feeling 39 was penned by Philippe Harlé. The 1979 Pearson 37 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the 1995 Feeling 39 measures 11.80m (38.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.78m, compared to the 1979 Pearson 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.43m beam. The 1995 Feeling 39 is 0.52m longer than the 1979 Pearson 37. The 1995 Feeling 39 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1995 Feeling 39 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 66.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Pearson 37, with an SA/D of 15.18 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1995 Feeling 39 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1995 Feeling 39 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1979 Pearson 37 has a comfort ratio of 24.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1995 Feeling 39 and 42.5% for the 1979 Pearson 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1995 Feeling 39 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1979 Pearson 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Pearson 37 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 1995 Feeling 39 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1995 Feeling 39 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: 1995 Feeling 39 · 1979 Pearson 37