1981 Pearson 303 vs 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 303
1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 303 | 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Pacific Seacraft |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 1980–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | William Crealock |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 5.79 m (19.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.54 m (8.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 1,043 kg (2,299 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.8 m² (428 ft²) | 23.5 m² (253 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 3 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 303 and 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The 1981 Pearson 303 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 is a 1980s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The 1981 Pearson 303 was penned by William Shaw. The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 was designed by William Crealock.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 303 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.54m beam. The 1981 Pearson 303 is 1.82m longer than the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24. The 1981 Pearson 303 displaces approximately 55% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1981 Pearson 303 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.45 and 39.8 m² of sail area. The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, with an SA/D of 12.98 and 23.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1981 Pearson 303 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1981 Pearson 303 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 has a comfort ratio of 28.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1981 Pearson 303 and 41.8% for the 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1981 Pearson 303 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 offers 3 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 30L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 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 1981 Pearson 303 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1981 Pearson 303 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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Or view individual specs: 1981 Pearson 303 · 1980 Pacific Seacraft Dana 24