2007 Elan 310 vs 1979 Pearson 37 — Comparison

2007 Elan 310
VS
1979 Pearson 371979 Pearson 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2007 Elan 3101979 Pearson 37
General
ManufacturerElanPearson
Year2007–20121979–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySloveniaUSA
DesignerRob HumphreysWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA9.34 m (30.6 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL8.10 m (26.6 ft)8.69 m (28.5 ft)
Beam3.10 m (10.2 ft)3.43 m (11.3 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,500 kg (9,921 lbs)7,258 kg (16,001 lbs)
Ballast1,300 kg (2,866 lbs)3,084 kg (6,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area42.0 m² (452 ft²)56.0 m² (603 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)190 L (50.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2007 Elan 310
15.66
1979 Pearson 37
15.18
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2007 Elan 310
28.89
1979 Pearson 37
42.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2007 Elan 310
0.75
1979 Pearson 37
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2007 Elan 310
21.35
1979 Pearson 37
24.10

Detailed Comparison

The 2007 Elan 310 and 1979 Pearson 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2007 Elan 310 is a 2000s design by Elan from Slovenia, while the 1979 Pearson 37 is a 1970s offering from Pearson from USA. The 2007 Elan 310 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 1979 Pearson 37 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the 2007 Elan 310 measures 9.34m (30.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1979 Pearson 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.43m beam. The 1979 Pearson 37 is 1.94m longer than the 2007 Elan 310. The 1979 Pearson 37 displaces approximately 61% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2007 Elan 310 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.66 and 42.0 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 2007 Elan 310 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2007 Elan 310 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1979 Pearson 37 has a comfort ratio of 24.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 28.9% for the 2007 Elan 310 and 42.5% for the 1979 Pearson 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2007 Elan 310 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 60L 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 2007 Elan 310 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1979 Pearson 37 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: 2007 Elan 310 · 1979 Pearson 37