1981 Pearson 303 vs 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 303
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 303 | 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Beneteau |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 2009–2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | William Shaw | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.44 m (34.3 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.20 m (30.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 5,550 kg (12,236 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.8 m² (428 ft²) | 51.0 m² (549 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 303 and 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 303 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1981 Pearson 303 was penned by William Shaw. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 303 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 at 10.44m (34.3ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is 1.30m longer than the 1981 Pearson 303. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 displaces approximately 44% 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, with an SA/D of 16.53 and 51.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1981 Pearson 303 and 28.8% for the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L 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 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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 · 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34