1978 Pearson 30 vs Hunter 30 — Comparison
1978 Pearson 30
Hunter 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Pearson 30 | Hunter 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Hunter |
| Year | 1978–1983 | 1991–1996 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Hunter Design Team |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.3 m² (423 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Pearson 30 and Hunter 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Pearson 30 is a 1970s design by Pearson from USA, while the Hunter 30 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1978 Pearson 30 was penned by William Shaw. The Hunter 30 was designed by Hunter Design Team.
In terms of size, the 1978 Pearson 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Hunter 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Hunter 30 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Pearson 30 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.91 and 39.3 m² of sail area. The Hunter 30, with an SA/D of 16.94 and 41.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hunter 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Pearson 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Hunter 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 41.3% for the 1978 Pearson 30 and 41.2% for the Hunter 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Pearson 30 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Hunter 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Pearson 30 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 30 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: 1978 Pearson 30 · Hunter 30