Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 vs 1976 Ericson 29 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
VS
1976 Ericson 291976 Ericson 29

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Fast 36001976 Ericson 29
General
ManufacturerJeanneauEricson
Year20161976–1983
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerDaniel AndrieuBruce King
Dimensions
LOA10.94 m (35.9 ft)8.84 m (29.0 ft)
LWL10.10 m (33.1 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
Beam3.55 m (11.6 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,100 kg (11,244 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)34.0 m² (366 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP13 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths55
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
20.92
1976 Ericson 29
15.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
37.25
1976 Ericson 29
42.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
0.83
1976 Ericson 29
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
13.53
1976 Ericson 29
20.09

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 and 1976 Ericson 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the 1976 Ericson 29 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The 1976 Ericson 29 was designed by Bruce King.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 measures 10.94m (35.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 1976 Ericson 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 is 2.10m longer than the 1976 Ericson 29. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 displaces approximately 61% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.92 and 61.0 m² of sail area. The 1976 Ericson 29, with an SA/D of 15.99 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The 1976 Ericson 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 and 42.9% for the 1976 Ericson 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 120L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1976 Ericson 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1976 Ericson 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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