Dufour 36 Classic vs 1973 Ranger 33 — Comparison
1973 Ranger 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 36 Classic | 1973 Ranger 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Ranger |
| Year | 1996–2003 | 1973–1979 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 110 L (29.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 36 Classic and 1973 Ranger 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1973 Ranger 33 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The Dufour 36 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1973 Ranger 33 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the Dufour 36 Classic measures 10.90m (35.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.50m, compared to the 1973 Ranger 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Dufour 36 Classic is 0.84m longer than the 1973 Ranger 33. The Dufour 36 Classic displaces approximately 30% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 36 Classic has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The 1973 Ranger 33, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 36 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 36 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1973 Ranger 33 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic and 42.9% for the 1973 Ranger 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 36 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 110L of fuel. The 1973 Ranger 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1973 Ranger 33 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 36 Classic 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Dufour 36 Classic · 1973 Ranger 33