1982 S2 7.9 vs 1972 Ranger 29 — Comparison
1972 Ranger 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1982 S2 7.9 | 1972 Ranger 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | S2 | Ranger |
| Year | 1982–1988 | 1972–1978 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Arthur Edmunds | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.90 m (25.9 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 31.6 m² (340 ft²) | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 13 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1982 S2 7.9 and 1972 Ranger 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1982 S2 7.9 is a 1980s design by S2 from USA, while the 1972 Ranger 29 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The 1982 S2 7.9 was penned by Arthur Edmunds. The 1972 Ranger 29 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the 1982 S2 7.9 measures 7.90m (25.9ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the 1972 Ranger 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1972 Ranger 29 is 0.94m longer than the 1982 S2 7.9. The 1972 Ranger 29 displaces approximately 40% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1982 S2 7.9 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.61 and 31.6 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ranger 29, with an SA/D of 16.47 and 35.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1982 S2 7.9 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1982 S2 7.9 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.87). The 1972 Ranger 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1982 S2 7.9 and 42.9% for the 1972 Ranger 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1982 S2 7.9 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1972 Ranger 29 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Ranger 29 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 1982 S2 7.9 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1972 Ranger 29 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1982 S2 7.9 · 1972 Ranger 29