1973 Ericson 27 vs 2005 X-Yachts X-35 — Comparison

1973 Ericson 271973 Ericson 27
VS
2005 X-Yachts X-352005 X-Yachts X-35

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1973 Ericson 272005 X-Yachts X-35
General
ManufacturerEricsonX-Yachts
Year1973–19802005–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSADenmark
DesignerBruce KingNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA8.23 m (27.0 ft)10.59 m (34.7 ft)
LWL6.55 m (21.5 ft)9.40 m (30.8 ft)
Beam2.74 m (9.0 ft)3.30 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast1,043 kg (2,299 lbs)2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area30.8 m² (332 ft²)56.0 m² (603 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)65 L (17.2 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1973 Ericson 27
17.02
2005 X-Yachts X-35
18.26
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1973 Ericson 27
41.80
2005 X-Yachts X-35
36.36
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1973 Ericson 27
0.81
2005 X-Yachts X-35
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1973 Ericson 27
20.13
2005 X-Yachts X-35
18.10

Detailed Comparison

The 1973 Ericson 27 and 2005 X-Yachts X-35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1973 Ericson 27 is a 1970s design by Ericson from USA, while the 2005 X-Yachts X-35 is a 2000s offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1973 Ericson 27 was penned by Bruce King. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the 1973 Ericson 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.74m, compared to the 2005 X-Yachts X-35 at 10.59m (34.7ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 is 2.36m longer than the 1973 Ericson 27. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 displaces approximately 120% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1973 Ericson 27 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.02 and 30.8 m² of sail area. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35, with an SA/D of 18.26 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1973 Ericson 27 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.8% for the 1973 Ericson 27 and 36.4% for the 2005 X-Yachts X-35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1973 Ericson 27 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L water and 65L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1973 Ericson 27 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 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1973 Ericson 27 · 2005 X-Yachts X-35