2019 Hanse 418 vs 1984 Ericson 38 — Comparison

2019 Hanse 418
VS
1984 Ericson 381984 Ericson 38

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2019 Hanse 4181984 Ericson 38
General
ManufacturerHanseEricson
Year20191984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerJudel/VrolijkBruce King / Ron Holland
Dimensions
LOA12.40 m (40.7 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL10.95 m (35.9 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam4.17 m (13.7 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,900 kg (19,621 lbs)7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)
Ballast2,700 kg (5,952 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.0 m² (818 ft²)60.0 m² (646 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity110 L (29.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity210 L (55.5 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2019 Hanse 418
17.98
1984 Ericson 38
15.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2019 Hanse 418
30.34
1984 Ericson 38
42.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2019 Hanse 418
0.81
1984 Ericson 38
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2019 Hanse 418
15.75
1984 Ericson 38
20.06

Detailed Comparison

The 2019 Hanse 418 and 1984 Ericson 38 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2019 Hanse 418 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the 1984 Ericson 38 is a 1980s offering from Ericson from USA. The 2019 Hanse 418 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1984 Ericson 38 was designed by Bruce King / Ron Holland.

In terms of size, the 2019 Hanse 418 measures 12.40m (40.7ft) overall with a beam of 4.17m, compared to the 1984 Ericson 38 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2019 Hanse 418 is 0.82m longer than the 1984 Ericson 38. The 2019 Hanse 418 displaces approximately 19% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2019 Hanse 418 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.98 and 76.0 m² of sail area. The 1984 Ericson 38, with an SA/D of 15.93 and 60.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2019 Hanse 418 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2019 Hanse 418 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1984 Ericson 38 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the 2019 Hanse 418 and 42.4% for the 1984 Ericson 38, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2019 Hanse 418 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 210L of water capacity and 110L of fuel. The 1984 Ericson 38 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Ericson 38 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 2019 Hanse 418 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2019 Hanse 418 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: 2019 Hanse 418 · 1984 Ericson 38