1984 O'Day 30 vs 1972 Ranger 29 — Comparison
1972 Ranger 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1984 O'Day 30 | 1972 Ranger 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | O'Day | Ranger |
| Year | 1984–1989 | 1972–1978 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | C. Raymond Hunt | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,452 kg (3,201 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 13 HP | 13 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1984 O'Day 30 and 1972 Ranger 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 O'Day 30 is a 1980s design by O'Day from USA, while the 1972 Ranger 29 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The 1984 O'Day 30 was penned by C. Raymond Hunt. The 1972 Ranger 29 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the 1984 O'Day 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1972 Ranger 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1984 O'Day 30 is 0.30m longer than the 1972 Ranger 29. The 1984 O'Day 30 displaces approximately 14% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1984 O'Day 30 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.49 and 36.0 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 1972 Ranger 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1984 O'Day 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). 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 1984 O'Day 30 and 42.9% for the 1972 Ranger 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1984 O'Day 30 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L 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 1972 Ranger 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1984 O'Day 30 · 1972 Ranger 29