1981 Ericson 30+ vs Hanse 320 — Comparison

1981 Ericson 30+
VS
Hanse 320Hanse 320

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1981 Ericson 30+Hanse 320
General
ManufacturerEricsonHanse
Year1981–19862005–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerBruce Kingjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA9.14 m (30.0 ft)9.92 m (32.5 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)8.80 m (28.9 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area39.7 m² (427 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1981 Ericson 30+
15.79
Hanse 320
16.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1981 Ericson 30+
41.11
Hanse 320
30.43
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1981 Ericson 30+
0.76
Hanse 320
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1981 Ericson 30+
21.78
Hanse 320
17.40

Detailed Comparison

The 1981 Ericson 30+ and Hanse 320 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Ericson 30+ is a 1980s design by Ericson from USA, while the Hanse 320 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1981 Ericson 30+ was penned by Bruce King. The Hanse 320 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1981 Ericson 30+ measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Hanse 320 at 9.92m (32.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The Hanse 320 is 0.78m longer than the 1981 Ericson 30+. The Hanse 320 displaces approximately 13% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1981 Ericson 30+ has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.79 and 39.7 m² of sail area. The Hanse 320, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hanse 320 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1981 Ericson 30+ offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The Hanse 320 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1981 Ericson 30+ and 30.4% for the Hanse 320, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1981 Ericson 30+ provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Hanse 320 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1981 Ericson 30+ 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 Hanse 320 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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Or view individual specs: 1981 Ericson 30+ · Hanse 320