1979 Peterson 44 vs 2005 Najad 460 — Comparison

1979 Peterson 44
VS
2005 Najad 460

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1979 Peterson 442005 Najad 460
General
ManufacturerPetersonNajad
Year1979–19862005–2013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerDoug PetersonJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA13.41 m (44.0 ft)14.10 m (46.3 ft)
LWL10.67 m (35.0 ft)11.80 m (38.7 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.13 m (7.0 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,979 kg (22,000 lbs)13,500 kg (29,762 lbs)
Ballast4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)97.0 m² (1,044 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP100 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)320 L (84.5 gal)
Water Capacity265 L (70.0 gal)560 L (147.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1979 Peterson 44
17.31
2005 Najad 460
17.38
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1979 Peterson 44
40.91
2005 Najad 460
38.52
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1979 Peterson 44
0.72
2005 Najad 460
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1979 Peterson 44
19.21
2005 Najad 460
19.66

Detailed Comparison

The 1979 Peterson 44 and 2005 Najad 460 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1979 Peterson 44 is a 1970s design by Peterson from USA, while the 2005 Najad 460 is a 2000s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 1979 Peterson 44 was penned by Doug Peterson. The 2005 Najad 460 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1979 Peterson 44 measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2005 Najad 460 at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2005 Najad 460 is 0.69m longer than the 1979 Peterson 44. The 2005 Najad 460 displaces approximately 35% 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 2005 Najad 460, with an SA/D of 17.38 and 97.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 Najad 460 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 2005 Najad 460 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1979 Peterson 44 and 38.5% for the 2005 Najad 460, 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 2005 Najad 460 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 560L water and 320L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Najad 460 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 Najad 460 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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