2011 J/111 vs 2016 Elan GT5 — Comparison

2011 J/111
VS
2016 Elan GT5

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2011 J/1112016 Elan GT5
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsElan
Year20112016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASlovenia
DesignerAlan JohnstoneRob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche
Dimensions
LOA11.13 m (36.5 ft)13.85 m (45.4 ft)
LWL9.75 m (32.0 ft)12.20 m (40.0 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)4.28 m (14.0 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)10,200 kg (22,487 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area71.0 m² (764 ft²)92.0 m² (990 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2011 J/111
24.71
2016 Elan GT5
19.87
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2011 J/111
40.90
2016 Elan GT5
31.37
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2011 J/111
0.80
2016 Elan GT5
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2011 J/111
14.54
2016 Elan GT5
14.02

Detailed Comparison

The 2011 J/111 and 2016 Elan GT5 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2011 J/111 is a modern design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2016 Elan GT5 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2011 J/111 was penned by Alan Johnstone. The 2016 Elan GT5 was designed by Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche.

In terms of size, the 2011 J/111 measures 11.13m (36.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 2016 Elan GT5 at 13.85m (45.4ft) with a 4.28m beam. The 2016 Elan GT5 is 2.72m longer than the 2011 J/111. The 2016 Elan GT5 displaces approximately 104% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2011 J/111 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 24.71 and 71.0 m² of sail area. The 2016 Elan GT5, with an SA/D of 19.87 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2011 J/111 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2011 J/111 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 2016 Elan GT5 has a comfort ratio of 14.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 2011 J/111 and 31.4% for the 2016 Elan GT5, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2011 J/111 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 2016 Elan GT5 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2011 J/111 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 2011 J/111 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2016 Elan GT5 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: 2011 J/111 · 2016 Elan GT5