Dufour 310 Grand Large vs 1972 Ranger 29 — Comparison
1972 Ranger 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 310 Grand Large | 1972 Ranger 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Ranger |
| Year | 2015–2020 | 1972–1978 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Felci Yacht Design | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.43 m (30.9 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.45 m (27.7 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,150 kg (9,149 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,230 kg (2,712 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 13 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 310 Grand Large and 1972 Ranger 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 310 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 1972 Ranger 29 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The Dufour 310 Grand Large was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 1972 Ranger 29 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the Dufour 310 Grand Large measures 9.43m (30.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the 1972 Ranger 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The Dufour 310 Grand Large is 0.59m longer than the 1972 Ranger 29. The Dufour 310 Grand Large displaces approximately 31% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 310 Grand Large has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.74 and 40.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ranger 29, with an SA/D of 16.47 and 35.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1972 Ranger 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 310 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1972 Ranger 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the Dufour 310 Grand Large and 42.9% for the 1972 Ranger 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 310 Grand Large provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1972 Ranger 29 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Ranger 29 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 1972 Ranger 29 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 Ranger 29 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Dufour 310 Grand Large · 1972 Ranger 29