2015 ClubSwan 36 vs 1984 Pearson 34 — Comparison

2015 ClubSwan 36
VS
1984 Pearson 341984 Pearson 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 ClubSwan 361984 Pearson 34
General
ManufacturerNautor SwanPearson
Year20151984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFinlandUSA
DesignerJuan KouyoumdjianWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA11.00 m (36.1 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL9.90 m (32.5 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
Beam3.30 m (10.8 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.0 m² (700 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity40 L (10.6 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)152 L (40.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths46
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 ClubSwan 36
23.21
1984 Pearson 34
15.11
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 ClubSwan 36
35.42
1984 Pearson 34
41.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 ClubSwan 36
0.78
1984 Pearson 34
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 ClubSwan 36
14.37
1984 Pearson 34
20.28

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 ClubSwan 36 and 1984 Pearson 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is a modern design by Nautor Swan from Finland, while the 1984 Pearson 34 is a 1980s offering from Pearson from USA. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 was penned by Juan Kouyoumdjian. The 1984 Pearson 34 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the 2015 ClubSwan 36 measures 11.00m (36.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the 1984 Pearson 34 at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 2015 ClubSwan 36 is 0.64m longer than the 1984 Pearson 34. The 1984 Pearson 34 displaces approximately 13% 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 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 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 1984 Pearson 34 has a comfort ratio of 20.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 35.4% for the 2015 ClubSwan 36 and 41.7% for the 1984 Pearson 34, 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 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 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 1984 Pearson 34 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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