1984 J/29 vs Hunter 240 — Comparison

1984 J/29
VS
Hunter 240Hunter 240

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 J/29Hunter 240
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsHunter
Year1984–19901999–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerRod JohnstoneGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA8.99 m (29.5 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)6.17 m (20.2 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)2.44 m (8.0 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.22 m (4.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,266 kg (7,200 lbs)1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)
Ballast1,497 kg (3,300 lbs)476 kg (1,049 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area41.1 m² (442 ft²)22.5 m² (242 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP8 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)19 L (5.0 gal)
Water Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths54
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 J/29
18.97
Hunter 240
18.62
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 J/29
45.84
Hunter 240
34.97
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 J/29
0.89
Hunter 240
0.88
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 J/29
15.99
Hunter 240
15.02

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 J/29 and Hunter 240 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 J/29 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Hunter 240 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1984 J/29 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Hunter 240 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the 1984 J/29 measures 8.99m (29.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Hunter 240 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1984 J/29 is 1.67m longer than the Hunter 240. The 1984 J/29 displaces approximately 140% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1984 J/29 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.97 and 41.1 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 1984 J/29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1984 J/29 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.89). The Hunter 240 has a comfort ratio of 15.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.88. The ballast ratios are 45.8% for the 1984 J/29 and 35.0% for the Hunter 240, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1984 J/29 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Hunter 240 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 J/29 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 1984 J/29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1984 J/29 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 1984 J/29 · Hunter 240