Dufour 310 Grand Large vs 1973 Ranger 33 — Comparison

Dufour 310 Grand Large
VS
1973 Ranger 331973 Ranger 33

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 310 Grand Large1973 Ranger 33
General
ManufacturerDufourRanger
Year2015–20201973–1979
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerFelci Yacht DesignGary Mull
Dimensions
LOA9.43 m (30.9 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL8.45 m (27.7 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.13 m (10.3 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.60 m (5.2 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,150 kg (9,149 lbs)4,763 kg (10,501 lbs)
Ballast1,230 kg (2,712 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area40.0 m² (431 ft²)43.0 m² (463 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths46
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 310 Grand Large
15.74
1973 Ranger 33
15.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 310 Grand Large
29.64
1973 Ranger 33
42.85
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 310 Grand Large
0.78
1973 Ranger 33
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 310 Grand Large
18.25
1973 Ranger 33
21.50

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 310 Grand Large and 1973 Ranger 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 310 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 1973 Ranger 33 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The Dufour 310 Grand Large was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 1973 Ranger 33 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 1973 Ranger 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1973 Ranger 33 is 0.63m longer than the Dufour 310 Grand Large. The 1973 Ranger 33 displaces approximately 15% 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 1973 Ranger 33, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 310 Grand Large 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 1973 Ranger 33 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the Dufour 310 Grand Large and 42.9% for the 1973 Ranger 33, 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 1973 Ranger 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1973 Ranger 33 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 Dufour 310 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1973 Ranger 33 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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