1981 Pearson 303 vs 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 303
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 303 | 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | X-Yachts |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 2010–2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Denmark |
| Designer | William Shaw | Niels Jeppesen |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.57 m (34.7 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.20 m (30.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.8 m² (428 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 70 L (18.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 140 L (37.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 303 and 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 303 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1981 Pearson 303 was penned by William Shaw. The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 303 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 at 10.57m (34.7ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 is 1.43m longer than the 1981 Pearson 303. The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 displaces approximately 50% 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 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35, with an SA/D of 16.37 and 52.0 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 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 has a comfort ratio of 19.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1981 Pearson 303 and 36.2% for the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35, 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 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L water and 70L 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 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 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 · 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35