2008 Najad 395 vs 1979 Pearson 37 — Comparison

2008 Najad 395 2008 Najad 395
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1979 Pearson 37 1979 Pearson 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification 2008 Najad 395 1979 Pearson 37
General
Manufacturer Najad Pearson
Year 2008–2015 1979–1985
Type Sloop Sloop
Country Sweden USA
Designer Judel/Vrolijk William Shaw
Dimensions
LOA 12.10 m (39.7 ft) 11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL 10.30 m (33.8 ft) 8.69 m (28.5 ft)
Beam 3.80 m (12.5 ft) 3.43 m (11.3 ft)
Draft 2.00 m (6.6 ft) 1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement 9,000 kg (19,842 lbs) 7,258 kg (16,001 lbs)
Ballast 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) 3,084 kg (6,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 71.0 m² (764 ft²) 56.0 m² (603 ft²)
Hull Material Fiberglass Fiberglass
Keel Type Fin Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 55 HP 28 HP
Fuel Capacity 200 L (52.8 gal) 95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity 350 L (92.5 gal) 190 L (50.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 6 6
Cabins 2 2

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 Najad 395
16.67
1979 Pearson 37
15.18
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 Najad 395
38.89
1979 Pearson 37
42.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 Najad 395
0.73
1979 Pearson 37
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 Najad 395
19.88
1979 Pearson 37
24.10

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 Najad 395 and 1979 Pearson 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Najad 395 is a 2000s design by Najad from Sweden, while the 1979 Pearson 37 is a 1970s offering from Pearson from USA. The 2008 Najad 395 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1979 Pearson 37 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the 2008 Najad 395 measures 12.10m (39.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.80m, compared to the 1979 Pearson 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.43m beam. The 2008 Najad 395 is 0.82m longer than the 1979 Pearson 37. The 2008 Najad 395 displaces approximately 24% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2008 Najad 395 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.67 and 71.0 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 2008 Najad 395 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2008 Najad 395 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1979 Pearson 37 has a comfort ratio of 24.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 38.9% for the 2008 Najad 395 and 42.5% for the 1979 Pearson 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2008 Najad 395 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L 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 2008 Najad 395 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.

Compare Different Boats

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