2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large vs 1983 Freedom 36 — Comparison
1983 Freedom 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large | 1983 Freedom 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Freedom |
| Year | 2018–2022 | 1983–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.55 m (31.3 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,900 kg (13,007 lbs) | 6,123 kg (13,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 49.0 m² (527 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 190 L (50.2 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and 1983 Freedom 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 1983 Freedom 36 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1983 Freedom 36 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the 1983 Freedom 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The 1983 Freedom 36 is 0.67m longer than the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large. The 1983 Freedom 36 displaces approximately 4% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.58 and 56.5 m² of sail area. The 1983 Freedom 36, with an SA/D of 14.88 and 49.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1983 Freedom 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 28.8% for the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and 37.0% for the 1983 Freedom 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1983 Freedom 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Freedom 36 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 2018 Dufour 360 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: 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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Or view individual specs: 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large · 1983 Freedom 36