2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large vs 1972 Ericson 32 — Comparison

2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large
VS
1972 Ericson 321972 Ericson 32

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large1972 Ericson 32
General
ManufacturerDufourEricson
Year2012–20171972–1978
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerUmberto FelciBruce King
Dimensions
LOA12.35 m (40.5 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
Beam4.02 m (13.2 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Ballast2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area72.0 m² (775 ft²)39.0 m² (420 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large
17.56
1972 Ericson 32
14.97
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large
30.59
1972 Ericson 32
42.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large
0.79
1972 Ericson 32
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large
16.09
1972 Ericson 32
21.98

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large and 1972 Ericson 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 1972 Ericson 32 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1972 Ericson 32 was designed by Bruce King.

In terms of size, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large measures 12.35m (40.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.02m, compared to the 1972 Ericson 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large is 2.60m longer than the 1972 Ericson 32. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large displaces approximately 97% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.56 and 72.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ericson 32, with an SA/D of 14.97 and 39.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1972 Ericson 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 30.6% for the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large and 42.1% for the 1972 Ericson 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1972 Ericson 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1972 Ericson 32 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 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large 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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