1971 Ranger 26 vs 1972 Ranger 29 — Comparison
1971 Ranger 26
1972 Ranger 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1971 Ranger 26 | 1972 Ranger 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Ranger | Ranger |
| Year | 1971–1976 | 1972–1978 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gary Mull | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.62 m (8.6 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 29.5 m² (318 ft²) | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 13 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1971 Ranger 26 and 1972 Ranger 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1971 Ranger 26 is a 1970s design by Ranger from USA, while the 1972 Ranger 29 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The 1971 Ranger 26 was penned by Gary Mull. The 1972 Ranger 29 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the 1971 Ranger 26 measures 7.92m (26.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.62m, compared to the 1972 Ranger 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1972 Ranger 29 is 0.92m longer than the 1971 Ranger 26. The 1972 Ranger 29 displaces approximately 46% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1971 Ranger 26 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.85 and 29.5 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ranger 29, with an SA/D of 16.47 and 35.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1971 Ranger 26 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1971 Ranger 26 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 1972 Ranger 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1971 Ranger 26 and 42.9% for the 1972 Ranger 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1971 Ranger 26 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 45L of water capacity and 30L of fuel. The 1972 Ranger 29 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Ranger 29 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 1971 Ranger 26 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1972 Ranger 29 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: 1971 Ranger 26 · 1972 Ranger 29