2016 Elan GT5 vs 1998 Feeling 44 — Comparison

2016 Elan GT5
VS
1998 Feeling 44

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2016 Elan GT51998 Feeling 44
General
ManufacturerElanFeeling
Year20161998–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySloveniaFrance
DesignerRob Humphreys / Studio F.A. PorschePhilippe Harlé / Mortain & Mavrikios
Dimensions
LOA13.85 m (45.4 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL12.20 m (40.0 ft)11.50 m (37.7 ft)
Beam4.28 m (14.0 ft)4.10 m (13.5 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,200 kg (22,487 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)4,000 kg (8,818 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area92.0 m² (990 ft²)82.0 m² (883 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2016 Elan GT5
19.87
1998 Feeling 44
17.37
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2016 Elan GT5
31.37
1998 Feeling 44
38.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2016 Elan GT5
0.79
1998 Feeling 44
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2016 Elan GT5
14.02
1998 Feeling 44
16.90

Detailed Comparison

The 2016 Elan GT5 and 1998 Feeling 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Elan GT5 is a modern design by Elan from Slovenia, while the 1998 Feeling 44 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 2016 Elan GT5 was penned by Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche. The 1998 Feeling 44 was designed by Philippe Harlé / Mortain & Mavrikios.

In terms of size, the 2016 Elan GT5 measures 13.85m (45.4ft) overall with a beam of 4.28m, compared to the 1998 Feeling 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 4.10m beam. The 2016 Elan GT5 is 0.44m longer than the 1998 Feeling 44. The 1998 Feeling 44 displaces approximately 3% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2016 Elan GT5 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.87 and 92.0 m² of sail area. The 1998 Feeling 44, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 82.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Elan GT5 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2016 Elan GT5 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1998 Feeling 44 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 31.4% for the 2016 Elan GT5 and 38.1% for the 1998 Feeling 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2016 Elan GT5 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 160L of fuel. The 1998 Feeling 44 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1998 Feeling 44 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 2016 Elan GT5 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.

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Or view individual specs: 2016 Elan GT5 · 1998 Feeling 44