2014 Elan 400 vs 1998 Feeling 44 — Comparison

2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400
VS
1998 Feeling 44

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2014 Elan 4001998 Feeling 44
General
ManufacturerElanFeeling
Year2014–20181998–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySloveniaFrance
DesignerRob HumphreysPhilippe Harlé / Mortain & Mavrikios
Dimensions
LOA12.07 m (39.6 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL10.50 m (34.4 ft)11.50 m (37.7 ft)
Beam3.90 m (12.8 ft)4.10 m (13.5 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)4,000 kg (8,818 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.0 m² (818 ft²)82.0 m² (883 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2014 Elan 400
18.99
1998 Feeling 44
17.37
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2014 Elan 400
31.71
1998 Feeling 44
38.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2014 Elan 400
0.77
1998 Feeling 44
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2014 Elan 400
17.08
1998 Feeling 44
16.90

Detailed Comparison

The 2014 Elan 400 and 1998 Feeling 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2014 Elan 400 is a modern design by Elan from Slovenia, while the 1998 Feeling 44 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 2014 Elan 400 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 1998 Feeling 44 was designed by Philippe Harlé / Mortain & Mavrikios.

In terms of size, the 2014 Elan 400 measures 12.07m (39.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.90m, compared to the 1998 Feeling 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 4.10m beam. The 1998 Feeling 44 is 1.34m longer than the 2014 Elan 400. The 1998 Feeling 44 displaces approximately 28% 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 1998 Feeling 44, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 82.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 1998 Feeling 44 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400 and 38.1% for the 1998 Feeling 44, 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 1998 Feeling 44 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Elan 400 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 1998 Feeling 44 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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