1968 Alberg 35 vs 1994 Najad 343 — Comparison

1968 Alberg 35
VS
1994 Najad 343

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1968 Alberg 351994 Najad 343
General
ManufacturerVariousNajad
Year1968–19781994–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerCarl AlbergJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)8.69 m (28.5 ft)
Beam2.90 m (9.5 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)5,400 kg (11,905 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area43.0 m² (463 ft²)47.5 m² (511 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1968 Alberg 35
14.12
1994 Najad 343
15.68
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1968 Alberg 35
41.67
1994 Najad 343
40.74
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1968 Alberg 35
0.66
1994 Najad 343
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1968 Alberg 35
27.81
1994 Najad 343
20.44

Detailed Comparison

The 1968 Alberg 35 and 1994 Najad 343 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1968 Alberg 35 is a classic design by Various from USA, while the 1994 Najad 343 is a 1990s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 1968 Alberg 35 was penned by Carl Alberg. The 1994 Najad 343 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1968 Alberg 35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1994 Najad 343 at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1968 Alberg 35 is 0.31m longer than the 1994 Najad 343. The 1968 Alberg 35 displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1968 Alberg 35 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.12 and 43.0 m² of sail area. The 1994 Najad 343, with an SA/D of 15.68 and 47.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1994 Najad 343 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1968 Alberg 35 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 27.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.66). The 1994 Najad 343 has a comfort ratio of 20.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1968 Alberg 35 and 40.7% for the 1994 Najad 343, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1968 Alberg 35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1994 Najad 343 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1968 Alberg 35 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 1994 Najad 343 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: 1968 Alberg 35 · 1994 Najad 343