1965 Pearson Vanguard vs 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur — Comparison

1965 Pearson Vanguard1965 Pearson Vanguard
VS
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1965 Pearson Vanguard1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
General
ManufacturerPearsonWauquiez
Year1965–19721988–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerPhilip RhodesJean-Marie Finot
Dimensions
LOA9.83 m (32.3 ft)10.21 m (33.5 ft)
LWL7.01 m (23.0 ft)8.38 m (27.5 ft)
Beam2.84 m (9.3 ft)3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.22 m (4.0 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area36.0 m² (388 ft²)47.0 m² (506 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP22 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
14.32
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
15.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
41.11
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
41.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
0.71
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
25.31
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
21.56

Detailed Comparison

The 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is a 1980s offering from Wauquiez from France. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard was penned by Philip Rhodes. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur was designed by Jean-Marie Finot.

In terms of size, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard measures 9.83m (32.3ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur at 10.21m (33.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is 0.38m longer than the 1965 Pearson Vanguard. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur displaces approximately 33% 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 47.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 41.7% for the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 90L 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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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