1982 S2 7.9 vs Hunter 280 — Comparison
Hunter 280
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1982 S2 7.9 | Hunter 280 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | S2 | Hunter |
| Year | 1982–1988 | 1998–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Arthur Edmunds | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.90 m (25.9 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) |
| Ballast | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 31.6 m² (340 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1982 S2 7.9 and Hunter 280 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1982 S2 7.9 is a 1980s design by S2 from USA, while the Hunter 280 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1982 S2 7.9 was penned by Arthur Edmunds. The Hunter 280 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1982 S2 7.9 measures 7.90m (25.9ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the Hunter 280 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.82m beam. The Hunter 280 is 0.63m longer than the 1982 S2 7.9. The Hunter 280 displaces approximately 14% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1982 S2 7.9 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.61 and 31.6 m² of sail area. The Hunter 280, with an SA/D of 18.35 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1982 S2 7.9 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1982 S2 7.9 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.87). The Hunter 280 has a comfort ratio of 16.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1982 S2 7.9 and 38.6% for the Hunter 280, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1982 S2 7.9 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Hunter 280 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1982 S2 7.9 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 1982 S2 7.9 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: 1982 S2 7.9 · Hunter 280