2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 vs 2015 Elan 450 — Comparison

2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47
VS
2015 Elan 450

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 472015 Elan 450
General
ManufacturerWauquiezElan
Year2008–20162015–2019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSlovenia
DesignerJean BerretRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA14.33 m (47.0 ft)13.85 m (45.4 ft)
LWL12.00 m (39.4 ft)12.20 m (40.0 ft)
Beam4.20 m (13.8 ft)4.28 m (14.0 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.20 m (7.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)10,800 kg (23,810 lbs)
Ballast4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area92.0 m² (990 ft²)95.0 m² (1,023 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine100 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity280 L (74.0 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity500 L (132.1 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47
17.35
2015 Elan 450
19.75
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47
38.40
2015 Elan 450
32.41
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47
0.73
2015 Elan 450
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47
17.61
2015 Elan 450
14.84

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 and 2015 Elan 450 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 is a 2000s design by Wauquiez from France, while the 2015 Elan 450 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2015 Elan 450 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 measures 14.33m (47.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 2015 Elan 450 at 13.85m (45.4ft) with a 4.28m beam. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 is 0.48m longer than the 2015 Elan 450. The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 displaces approximately 16% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.35 and 92.0 m² of sail area. The 2015 Elan 450, with an SA/D of 19.75 and 95.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2015 Elan 450 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 2015 Elan 450 has a comfort ratio of 14.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.4% for the 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 and 32.4% for the 2015 Elan 450, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 280L of fuel. The 2015 Elan 450 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2008 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 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 2015 Elan 450 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2015 Elan 450 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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