2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 vs 1984 Ericson 38 — Comparison

2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47
VS
1984 Ericson 381984 Ericson 38

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2005 Wauquiez Centurion 471984 Ericson 38
General
ManufacturerWauquiezEricson
Year2005–20121984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerJean BerretBruce King / Ron Holland
Dimensions
LOA14.33 m (47.0 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL11.89 m (39.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam4.15 m (13.6 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft2.15 m (7.1 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement13,000 kg (28,660 lbs)7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)
Ballast5,000 kg (11,023 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area95.0 m² (1,023 ft²)60.0 m² (646 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine100 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity550 L (145.3 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47
17.45
1984 Ericson 38
15.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47
38.46
1984 Ericson 38
42.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47
0.71
1984 Ericson 38
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47
18.83
1984 Ericson 38
20.06

Detailed Comparison

The 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 and 1984 Ericson 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 is a 2000s design by Wauquiez from France, while the 1984 Ericson 38 is a 1980s offering from Ericson from USA. The 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1984 Ericson 38 was designed by Bruce King / Ron Holland.

In terms of size, the 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 measures 14.33m (47.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.15m, compared to the 1984 Ericson 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 is 2.75m longer than the 1984 Ericson 38. The 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 displaces approximately 74% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.45 and 95.0 m² of sail area. The 1984 Ericson 38, with an SA/D of 15.93 and 60.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1984 Ericson 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 and 42.4% for the 1984 Ericson 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L of water capacity and 300L of fuel. The 1984 Ericson 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Ericson 38 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 2005 Wauquiez Centurion 47 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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