1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 — Comparison

1997 Dufour 30 Classic
VS
1982 Pacific Seacraft 27

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Dufour 30 Classic1982 Pacific Seacraft 27
General
ManufacturerDufourPacific Seacraft
Year1997–20031982–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerUmberto FelciWilliam Crealock
Dimensions
LOA9.15 m (30.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL7.80 m (25.6 ft)6.55 m (21.5 ft)
Beam3.10 m (10.2 ft)2.64 m (8.7 ft)
Draft1.60 m (5.2 ft)1.14 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Ballast1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area40.0 m² (431 ft²)30.5 m² (328 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity50 L (13.2 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity90 L (23.8 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths54
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
16.69
1982 Pacific Seacraft 27
14.35
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
36.84
1982 Pacific Seacraft 27
42.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
0.80
1982 Pacific Seacraft 27
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
19.22
1982 Pacific Seacraft 27
26.91

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 is a 1980s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 was designed by William Crealock.

In terms of size, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic measures 9.15m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.64m beam. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is 0.92m longer than the 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic displaces approximately 20% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.69 and 40.0 m² of sail area. The 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27, with an SA/D of 14.35 and 30.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 has a comfort ratio of 26.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 42.9% for the 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 90L of water capacity and 50L of fuel. The 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27 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 1997 Dufour 30 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 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1997 Dufour 30 Classic · 1982 Pacific Seacraft 27