2014 Elan 400 vs 1990 Feeling 32 — Comparison

2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400
VS
1990 Feeling 321990 Feeling 32

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2014 Elan 4001990 Feeling 32
General
ManufacturerElanFeeling
Year2014–20181990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySloveniaFrance
DesignerRob HumphreysPhilippe Harlé
Dimensions
LOA12.07 m (39.6 ft)9.85 m (32.3 ft)
LWL10.50 m (34.4 ft)8.20 m (26.9 ft)
Beam3.90 m (12.8 ft)3.15 m (10.3 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.50 m (4.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)4,700 kg (10,362 lbs)
Ballast2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.0 m² (818 ft²)40.0 m² (431 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths75
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2014 Elan 400
18.99
1990 Feeling 32
14.49
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2014 Elan 400
31.71
1990 Feeling 32
36.17
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2014 Elan 400
0.77
1990 Feeling 32
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2014 Elan 400
17.08
1990 Feeling 32
20.72

Detailed Comparison

The 2014 Elan 400 and 1990 Feeling 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2014 Elan 400 is a modern design by Elan from Slovenia, while the 1990 Feeling 32 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 2014 Elan 400 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 1990 Feeling 32 was designed by Philippe Harlé.

In terms of size, the 2014 Elan 400 measures 12.07m (39.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.90m, compared to the 1990 Feeling 32 at 9.85m (32.3ft) with a 3.15m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 2.22m longer than the 1990 Feeling 32. The 2014 Elan 400 displaces approximately 74% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2014 Elan 400 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of sail area. The 1990 Feeling 32, with an SA/D of 14.49 and 40.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2014 Elan 400 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2014 Elan 400 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1990 Feeling 32 has a comfort ratio of 20.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400 and 36.2% for the 1990 Feeling 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2014 Elan 400 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1990 Feeling 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Feeling 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 2014 Elan 400 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2014 Elan 400 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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