Dufour 36 Classic vs 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 — Comparison

Dufour 36 Classic
VS
1990 Wauquiez Centurion 321990 Wauquiez Centurion 32

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 36 Classic1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32
General
ManufacturerDufourWauquiez
Year1996–20031990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerUmberto FelciJean-Marie Finot
Dimensions
LOA10.90 m (35.8 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL9.60 m (31.5 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.50 m (11.5 ft)3.15 m (10.3 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.65 m (5.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,200 kg (13,669 lbs)4,500 kg (9,921 lbs)
Ballast2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.0 m² (614 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine27 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity110 L (29.1 gal)65 L (17.2 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 36 Classic
17.16
1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32
15.66
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 36 Classic
32.26
1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 36 Classic
0.76
1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 36 Classic
17.99
1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32
19.88

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 36 Classic and 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 is a 1990s offering from Wauquiez from France. The Dufour 36 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 was designed by Jean-Marie Finot.

In terms of size, the Dufour 36 Classic measures 10.90m (35.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.50m, compared to the 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.15m beam. The Dufour 36 Classic is 1.15m longer than the 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32. The Dufour 36 Classic displaces approximately 38% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 36 Classic has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32, with an SA/D of 15.66 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 36 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 36 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 has a comfort ratio of 19.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic and 40.0% for the 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 36 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 110L of fuel. The 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 65L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 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 36 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 Dufour 36 Classic 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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