1985 Hunter 25.5 vs 1974 Morgan 33 — Comparison

1985 Hunter 25.5
VS
1974 Morgan 331974 Morgan 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1985 Hunter 25.51974 Morgan 33
General
ManufacturerHunterMorgan
Year1985–19921974–1980
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerHunter Design TeamCharlie Morgan
Dimensions
LOA7.77 m (25.5 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL6.55 m (21.5 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam2.59 m (8.5 ft)3.20 m (10.5 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)
Ballast612 kg (1,349 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area25.7 m² (277 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity30 L (7.9 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1985 Hunter 25.5
19.19
1974 Morgan 33
14.19
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1985 Hunter 25.5
38.54
1974 Morgan 33
39.13
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1985 Hunter 25.5
0.89
1974 Morgan 33
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1985 Hunter 25.5
14.36
1974 Morgan 33
22.09

Detailed Comparison

The 1985 Hunter 25.5 and 1974 Morgan 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Hunter 25.5 is a 1980s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1974 Morgan 33 is a 1970s offering from Morgan from USA. The 1985 Hunter 25.5 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The 1974 Morgan 33 was designed by Charlie Morgan.

In terms of size, the 1985 Hunter 25.5 measures 7.77m (25.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1974 Morgan 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1974 Morgan 33 is 2.29m longer than the 1985 Hunter 25.5. The 1974 Morgan 33 displaces approximately 228% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1985 Hunter 25.5 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.19 and 25.7 m² of sail area. The 1974 Morgan 33, with an SA/D of 14.19 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1985 Hunter 25.5 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1985 Hunter 25.5 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.89). The 1974 Morgan 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1985 Hunter 25.5 and 39.1% for the 1974 Morgan 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1985 Hunter 25.5 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 30L of fuel. The 1974 Morgan 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1974 Morgan 33 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 1985 Hunter 25.5 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1974 Morgan 33 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: 1985 Hunter 25.5 · 1974 Morgan 33