1975 Columbia 34 Mk II vs Dufour 310 Grand Large — Comparison

1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
VS
Dufour 310 Grand Large

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1975 Columbia 34 Mk IIDufour 310 Grand Large
General
ManufacturerColumbiaDufour
Year1975–19802015–2020
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerWilliam CrealockFelci Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)9.43 m (30.9 ft)
LWL8.23 m (27.0 ft)8.45 m (27.7 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)3.13 m (10.3 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)4,150 kg (9,149 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)1,230 kg (2,712 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.5 m² (501 ft²)40.0 m² (431 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
15.71
Dufour 310 Grand Large
15.74
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
41.74
Dufour 310 Grand Large
29.64
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
0.70
Dufour 310 Grand Large
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
23.07
Dufour 310 Grand Large
18.25

Detailed Comparison

The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and Dufour 310 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is a 1970s design by Columbia from USA, while the Dufour 310 Grand Large is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II was penned by William Crealock. The Dufour 310 Grand Large was designed by Felci Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Dufour 310 Grand Large at 9.43m (30.9ft) with a 3.13m beam. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is 0.93m longer than the Dufour 310 Grand Large. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II displaces approximately 26% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.71 and 46.5 m² of sail area. The Dufour 310 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 15.74 and 40.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 310 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The Dufour 310 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and 29.6% for the Dufour 310 Grand Large, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Dufour 310 Grand Large offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II 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 Dufour 310 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II 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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