1979 Peterson 44 vs 1996 Moody 45 — Comparison

1979 Peterson 44
VS
1996 Moody 451996 Moody 45

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1979 Peterson 441996 Moody 45
General
ManufacturerPetersonMoody
Year1979–19861996–2002
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerDoug PetersonBill Dixon
Dimensions
LOA13.41 m (44.0 ft)13.72 m (45.0 ft)
LWL10.67 m (35.0 ft)11.50 m (37.7 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.22 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.13 m (7.0 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,979 kg (22,000 lbs)12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)
Ballast4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)4,900 kg (10,803 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)85.0 m² (915 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity265 L (70.0 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1979 Peterson 44
17.31
1996 Moody 45
16.03
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1979 Peterson 44
40.91
1996 Moody 45
39.20
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1979 Peterson 44
0.72
1996 Moody 45
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1979 Peterson 44
19.21
1996 Moody 45
19.06

Detailed Comparison

The 1979 Peterson 44 and 1996 Moody 45 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1979 Peterson 44 is a 1970s design by Peterson from USA, while the 1996 Moody 45 is a 1990s offering from Moody from UK. The 1979 Peterson 44 was penned by Doug Peterson. The 1996 Moody 45 was designed by Bill Dixon.

In terms of size, the 1979 Peterson 44 measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1996 Moody 45 at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.22m beam. The 1996 Moody 45 is 0.31m longer than the 1979 Peterson 44. The 1996 Moody 45 displaces approximately 25% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1979 Peterson 44 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.31 and 79.0 m² of sail area. The 1996 Moody 45, with an SA/D of 16.03 and 85.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1979 Peterson 44 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1979 Peterson 44 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1996 Moody 45 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1979 Peterson 44 and 39.2% for the 1996 Moody 45, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1979 Peterson 44 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 265L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 1996 Moody 45 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Peterson 44 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 1979 Peterson 44 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1996 Moody 45 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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