1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 vs Dufour 45E — Comparison

1989 Hallberg-Rassy 451989 Hallberg-Rassy 45
VS
Dufour 45EDufour 45E

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45Dufour 45E
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyDufour
Year1989–19982008–2011
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenFrance
DesignerGerman FrersUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA13.72 m (45.0 ft)13.80 m (45.3 ft)
LWL10.97 m (36.0 ft)11.90 m (39.0 ft)
Beam4.00 m (13.1 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,247 kg (27,000 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area86.0 m² (926 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity500 L (132.1 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45
16.44
Dufour 45E
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45
37.04
Dufour 45E
30.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45
0.70
Dufour 45E
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45
21.34
Dufour 45E
15.34

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 and Dufour 45E represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 is a 1980s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the Dufour 45E is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 was penned by German Frers. The Dufour 45E was designed by Umberto Felci.

In terms of size, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 measures 13.72m (45.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.00m, compared to the Dufour 45E at 13.80m (45.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Dufour 45E is 0.08m longer than the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 displaces approximately 17% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.44 and 86.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 45E, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 45E has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The Dufour 45E has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.0% for the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 and 30.5% for the Dufour 45E, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The Dufour 45E offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 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 Dufour 45E has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Dufour 45E 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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