1965 Pearson Vanguard vs 2007 Elan 310 — Comparison

1965 Pearson Vanguard1965 Pearson Vanguard
VS
2007 Elan 310

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1965 Pearson Vanguard2007 Elan 310
General
ManufacturerPearsonElan
Year1965–19722007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASlovenia
DesignerPhilip RhodesRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA9.83 m (32.3 ft)9.34 m (30.6 ft)
LWL7.01 m (23.0 ft)8.10 m (26.6 ft)
Beam2.84 m (9.3 ft)3.10 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.22 m (4.0 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)4,500 kg (9,921 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)1,300 kg (2,866 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area36.0 m² (388 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths55
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
14.32
2007 Elan 310
15.66
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
41.11
2007 Elan 310
28.89
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
0.71
2007 Elan 310
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
25.31
2007 Elan 310
21.35

Detailed Comparison

The 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 2007 Elan 310 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the 2007 Elan 310 is a 2000s offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard was penned by Philip Rhodes. The 2007 Elan 310 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard measures 9.83m (32.3ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the 2007 Elan 310 at 9.34m (30.6ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is 0.49m longer than the 2007 Elan 310. The 2007 Elan 310 displaces approximately 10% 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 2007 Elan 310, with an SA/D of 15.66 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2007 Elan 310 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 2007 Elan 310 has a comfort ratio of 21.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 28.9% for the 2007 Elan 310, 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 2007 Elan 310 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 60L 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 2007 Elan 310 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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