2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 vs 1972 Ranger 29 — Comparison
2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31
1972 Ranger 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 | 1972 Ranger 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Ranger |
| Year | 2010–2016 | 1972–1978 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Groupe Finot | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.68 m (31.8 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.60 m (28.2 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,300 kg (9,480 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.5 m² (490 ft²) | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 13 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 and 1972 Ranger 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 1972 Ranger 29 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 was penned by Groupe Finot. The 1972 Ranger 29 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 measures 9.68m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1972 Ranger 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 is 0.84m longer than the 1972 Ranger 29. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.48 and 45.5 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ranger 29, with an SA/D of 16.47 and 35.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1972 Ranger 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 32.6% for the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 and 42.9% for the 1972 Ranger 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 1972 Ranger 29 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Ranger 29 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 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 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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Or view individual specs: 2010 Beneteau Oceanis 31 · 1972 Ranger 29