1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs 1990 Westerly Oceanquest — Comparison

1997 Dufour 30 Classic
VS
1990 Westerly Oceanquest

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Dufour 30 Classic1990 Westerly Oceanquest
General
ManufacturerDufourWesterly
Year1997–20031990–1996
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUK
DesignerUmberto FelciEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA9.15 m (30.0 ft)10.67 m (35.0 ft)
LWL7.80 m (25.6 ft)8.84 m (29.0 ft)
Beam3.10 m (10.2 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.60 m (5.2 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area40.0 m² (431 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP23 HP
Fuel Capacity50 L (13.2 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity90 L (23.8 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths57
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
16.69
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
14.32
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
36.84
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
38.46
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
0.80
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Dufour 30 Classic
19.22
1990 Westerly Oceanquest
20.14

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 1990 Westerly Oceanquest represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1990 Westerly Oceanquest is a 1990s offering from Westerly from UK. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic measures 9.15m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1990 Westerly Oceanquest at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest is 1.52m longer than the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic. The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest displaces approximately 55% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.69 and 40.0 m² of sail area. The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest, with an SA/D of 14.32 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 38.5% for the 1990 Westerly Oceanquest, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 90L of water capacity and 50L of fuel. The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest 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 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1990 Westerly Oceanquest 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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