1972 Islander 24 vs Hunter 240 — Comparison

1972 Islander 241972 Islander 24
VS
Hunter 240Hunter 240

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1972 Islander 24Hunter 240
General
ManufacturerIslanderHunter
Year1972–19771999–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerAlan GurneyGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA7.32 m (24.0 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
LWL5.94 m (19.5 ft)6.17 m (20.2 ft)
Beam2.36 m (7.7 ft)2.44 m (8.0 ft)
Draft1.14 m (3.7 ft)1.22 m (4.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)
Ballast635 kg (1,400 lbs)476 kg (1,049 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area23.5 m² (253 ft²)22.5 m² (242 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine7 HP8 HP
Fuel Capacity23 L (6.1 gal)19 L (5.0 gal)
Water Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths44
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1972 Islander 24
17.55
Hunter 240
18.62
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1972 Islander 24
39.99
Hunter 240
34.97
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1972 Islander 24
0.81
Hunter 240
0.88
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1972 Islander 24
19.26
Hunter 240
15.02

Detailed Comparison

The 1972 Islander 24 and Hunter 240 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Islander 24 is a 1970s design by Islander from USA, while the Hunter 240 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1972 Islander 24 was penned by Alan Gurney. The Hunter 240 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the 1972 Islander 24 measures 7.32m (24.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.36m, compared to the Hunter 240 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1972 Islander 24 displaces approximately 17% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1972 Islander 24 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.55 and 23.5 m² of sail area. The Hunter 240, with an SA/D of 18.62 and 22.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 240 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1972 Islander 24 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The Hunter 240 has a comfort ratio of 15.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.88. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1972 Islander 24 and 35.0% for the Hunter 240, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1972 Islander 24 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 23L of fuel. The Hunter 240 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1972 Islander 24 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 Hunter 240 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: 1972 Islander 24 · Hunter 240