1981 Pearson 303 vs Hunter 212 — Comparison
1981 Pearson 303
Hunter 212
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1981 Pearson 303 | Hunter 212 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Hunter |
| Year | 1981–1986 | 2003–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 6.35 m (20.8 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 5.56 m (18.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.26 m (7.4 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 0.99 m (3.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 680 kg (1,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 168 kg (370 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 39.8 m² (428 ft²) | 16.0 m² (172 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Centerboard |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 4 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | — |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 15 L (4.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 3 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1981 Pearson 303 and Hunter 212 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Pearson 303 is a 1980s design by Pearson from USA, while the Hunter 212 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1981 Pearson 303 was penned by William Shaw. The Hunter 212 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1981 Pearson 303 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Hunter 212 at 6.35m (20.8ft) with a 2.26m beam. The 1981 Pearson 303 is 2.79m longer than the Hunter 212. The 1981 Pearson 303 displaces approximately 467% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1981 Pearson 303 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.45 and 39.8 m² of sail area. The Hunter 212, with an SA/D of 21.04 and 16.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Hunter 212 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1981 Pearson 303 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Hunter 212 has a comfort ratio of 10.5 and a capsize screening value of 1.03. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1981 Pearson 303 and 24.7% for the Hunter 212, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1981 Pearson 303 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Hunter 212 offers 3 berths in 1 cabin with 15L water and unspecified fuel.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1981 Pearson 303 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 212 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1981 Pearson 303 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1981 Pearson 303 · Hunter 212