2016 Elan GT5 vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison
1979 Cal 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2016 Elan GT5 | 1979 Cal 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Elan | Cal |
| Year | 2016 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Slovenia | USA |
| Designer | Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.85 m (45.4 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 12.20 m (40.0 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 4.28 m (14.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,200 kg (22,487 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2016 Elan GT5 and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Elan GT5 is a modern design by Elan from Slovenia, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 2016 Elan GT5 was penned by Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 2016 Elan GT5 measures 13.85m (45.4ft) overall with a beam of 4.28m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2016 Elan GT5 is 1.96m longer than the 1979 Cal 39. The 2016 Elan GT5 displaces approximately 25% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2016 Elan GT5 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.87 and 92.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Cal 39, with an SA/D of 15.78 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2016 Elan GT5 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2016 Elan GT5 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 31.4% for the 2016 Elan GT5 and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2016 Elan GT5 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 160L of fuel. The 1979 Cal 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Cal 39 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 2016 Elan GT5 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2016 Elan GT5 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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Or view individual specs: 2016 Elan GT5 · 1979 Cal 39