Hanse 445 vs 1984 Ericson 38 — Comparison

Hanse 445
VS
1984 Ericson 381984 Ericson 38

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHanse 4451984 Ericson 38
General
ManufacturerHanseEricson
Year2012–20171984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
Designerjudel/vrolijk & coBruce King / Ron Holland
Dimensions
LOA13.50 m (44.3 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL11.80 m (38.7 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam4.20 m (13.8 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,100 kg (22,267 lbs)7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)
Ballast3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area87.0 m² (937 ft²)60.0 m² (646 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity370 L (97.7 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hanse 445
18.91
1984 Ericson 38
15.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hanse 445
31.68
1984 Ericson 38
42.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hanse 445
0.78
1984 Ericson 38
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hanse 445
15.14
1984 Ericson 38
20.06

Detailed Comparison

The Hanse 445 and 1984 Ericson 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 445 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the 1984 Ericson 38 is a 1980s offering from Ericson from USA. The Hanse 445 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The 1984 Ericson 38 was designed by Bruce King / Ron Holland.

In terms of size, the Hanse 445 measures 13.50m (44.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1984 Ericson 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The Hanse 445 is 1.92m longer than the 1984 Ericson 38. The Hanse 445 displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hanse 445 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.91 and 87.0 m² of sail area. The 1984 Ericson 38, with an SA/D of 15.93 and 60.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hanse 445 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hanse 445 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1984 Ericson 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 31.7% for the Hanse 445 and 42.4% for the 1984 Ericson 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hanse 445 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 370L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 1984 Ericson 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Ericson 38 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 Hanse 445 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hanse 445 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: Hanse 445 · 1984 Ericson 38