2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 vs 1984 Pearson 34 — Comparison

2015 Beneteau Oceanis 352015 Beneteau Oceanis 35
VS
1984 Pearson 341984 Pearson 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 Beneteau Oceanis 351984 Pearson 34
General
ManufacturerBeneteauPearson
Year2015–20181984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerGroupe Finot-ConqWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA10.45 m (34.3 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL9.38 m (30.8 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,100 kg (13,448 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.0 m² (614 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)152 L (40.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35
17.35
1984 Pearson 34
15.11
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35
30.33
1984 Pearson 34
41.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35
0.82
1984 Pearson 34
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35
17.31
1984 Pearson 34
20.28

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 and 1984 Pearson 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 1984 Pearson 34 is a 1980s offering from Pearson from USA. The 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 was penned by Groupe Finot-Conq. The 1984 Pearson 34 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 measures 10.45m (34.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 1984 Pearson 34 at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 is 0.09m longer than the 1984 Pearson 34. The 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 displaces approximately 12% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.35 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The 1984 Pearson 34, with an SA/D of 15.11 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.82). The 1984 Pearson 34 has a comfort ratio of 20.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 and 41.7% for the 1984 Pearson 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1984 Pearson 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 152L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Pearson 34 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 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 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: 2015 Beneteau Oceanis 35 · 1984 Pearson 34