1965 Pearson Vanguard vs 1983 Pearson 31 — Comparison
1965 Pearson Vanguard
1983 Pearson 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1965 Pearson Vanguard | 1983 Pearson 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Pearson |
| Year | 1965–1972 | 1983–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Philip Rhodes | William Shaw |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.83 m (32.3 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) | 7.77 m (25.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 1983 Pearson 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the 1983 Pearson 31 is a 1980s offering from Pearson from USA. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard was penned by Philip Rhodes. The 1983 Pearson 31 was designed by William Shaw.
In terms of size, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard measures 9.83m (32.3ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the 1983 Pearson 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is 0.38m longer than the 1983 Pearson 31. The 1983 Pearson 31 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.32 and 36.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Pearson 31, with an SA/D of 15.35 and 40.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1983 Pearson 31 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 1983 Pearson 31 has a comfort ratio of 21.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 42.1% for the 1983 Pearson 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1983 Pearson 31 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1965 Pearson Vanguard 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 1983 Pearson 31 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1983 Pearson 31 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: 1965 Pearson Vanguard · 1983 Pearson 31