1981 Pearson 303 vs 1984 O'Day 30 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 303
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 303 | 1984 O'Day 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | O'Day |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 1984–1989 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 1,452 kg (3,201 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.8 m² (428 ft²) | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 13 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 303 and 1984 O'Day 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 303 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 1984 O'Day 30 is a 1980s offering from O'Day from USA. The 1981 Pearson 303 was penned by William Shaw. The 1984 O'Day 30 was designed by C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 303 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1984 O'Day 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1981 Pearson 303 displaces approximately 6% 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 1984 O'Day 30, with an SA/D of 15.49 and 36.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1984 O'Day 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1981 Pearson 303 and 40.0% for the 1984 O'Day 30, 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 1984 O'Day 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1981 Pearson 303 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 1984 O'Day 30 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 · 1984 O'Day 30