2015 ClubSwan 36 vs 1979 Westerly Fulmar — Comparison

2015 ClubSwan 36
VS
1979 Westerly Fulmar1979 Westerly Fulmar

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 ClubSwan 361979 Westerly Fulmar
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanWesterly
Year20151979–1986
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandUK
DesignerJuan KouyoumdjianEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA11.00 m (36.1 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL9.90 m (32.5 ft)8.00 m (26.2 ft)
Beam3.30 m (10.8 ft)3.20 m (10.5 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.0 m² (700 ft²)36.0 m² (388 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity40 L (10.6 gal)68 L (18.0 gal)
Water Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)136 L (35.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths46
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
1979 Westerly Fulmar
12.53
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
1979 Westerly Fulmar
36.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
1979 Westerly Fulmar
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37
1979 Westerly Fulmar
22.41

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 ClubSwan 36 and 1979 Westerly Fulmar represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1979 Westerly Fulmar is a 1970s offering from Westerly from UK. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was penned by Juan Kouyoumdjian. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 measures 11.00m (36.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the 1979 Westerly Fulmar at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 1.25m longer than the 1979 Westerly Fulmar. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar displaces approximately 4% 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 1979 Westerly Fulmar, with an SA/D of 12.53 and 36.0 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 1979 Westerly Fulmar has a comfort ratio of 22.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36 and 36.4% for the 1979 Westerly Fulmar, 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 1979 Westerly Fulmar offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 136L water and 68L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Westerly Fulmar 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 1979 Westerly Fulmar 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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