1994 Passport 42 vs 1985 Valiant 37 — Comparison

1994 Passport 421994 Passport 42
VS
1985 Valiant 371985 Valiant 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 Passport 421985 Valiant 37
General
ManufacturerPassportValiant
Year1994–20031985–1995
TypeCutterCutter
CountryTaiwanUSA
DesignerRobert PerryBob Perry
Dimensions
LOA12.80 m (42.0 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.47 m (11.4 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.68 m (5.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,886 kg (23,999 lbs)7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)
Ballast4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area75.3 m² (811 ft²)60.5 m² (651 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeModified fullModified full
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Water Capacity454 L (119.9 gal)265 L (70.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 Passport 42
15.57
1985 Valiant 37
15.75
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 Passport 42
39.58
1985 Valiant 37
41.17
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 Passport 42
0.70
1985 Valiant 37
0.70
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 Passport 42
22.49
1985 Valiant 37
23.61

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 Passport 42 and 1985 Valiant 37 represent two takes on cutter-rigged sailing. The 1994 Passport 42 is a 1990s design by Passport from Taiwan, while the 1985 Valiant 37 is a 1980s offering from Valiant from USA. The 1994 Passport 42 was penned by Robert Perry. The 1985 Valiant 37 was designed by Bob Perry.

In terms of size, the 1994 Passport 42 measures 12.80m (42.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 1985 Valiant 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.47m beam. The 1994 Passport 42 is 1.52m longer than the 1985 Valiant 37. The 1994 Passport 42 displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1994 Passport 42 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.57 and 75.3 m² of sail area. The 1985 Valiant 37, with an SA/D of 15.75 and 60.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1985 Valiant 37 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1994 Passport 42 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 1985 Valiant 37 has a comfort ratio of 23.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.70. The ballast ratios are 39.6% for the 1994 Passport 42 and 41.2% for the 1985 Valiant 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1994 Passport 42 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L of water capacity and 227L of fuel. The 1985 Valiant 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 151L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1985 Valiant 37 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 1985 Valiant 37 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1994 Passport 42 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: 1994 Passport 42 · 1985 Valiant 37