2015 ClubSwan 36 vs 1972 Ericson 32 — Comparison

2015 ClubSwan 36
VS
1972 Ericson 321972 Ericson 32

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 ClubSwan 361972 Ericson 32
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanEricson
Year20151972–1978
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandUSA
DesignerJuan KouyoumdjianBruce King
Dimensions
LOA11.00 m (36.1 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL9.90 m (32.5 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
Beam3.30 m (10.8 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.0 m² (700 ft²)39.0 m² (420 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity40 L (10.6 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths46
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
1972 Ericson 32
14.97
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
1972 Ericson 32
42.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
1972 Ericson 32
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37
1972 Ericson 32
21.98

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 ClubSwan 36 and 1972 Ericson 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1972 Ericson 32 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was penned by Juan Kouyoumdjian. The 1972 Ericson 32 was designed by Bruce King.

In terms of size, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 measures 11.00m (36.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the 1972 Ericson 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 1.25m longer than the 1972 Ericson 32. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 displaces approximately 11% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 23.21 and 65.0 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1972 Ericson 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36 and 42.1% for the 1972 Ericson 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L of water capacity and 40L 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 2015 ClubSwan 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1972 Ericson 32 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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