1985 Hunter 25.5 vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison

1985 Hunter 25.5
VS
1982 Freedom 281982 Freedom 28

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1985 Hunter 25.51982 Freedom 28
General
ManufacturerHunterFreedom
Year1985–19921982–1988
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerHunter Design TeamGarry Hoyt
Dimensions
LOA7.77 m (25.5 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL6.55 m (21.5 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam2.59 m (8.5 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.14 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast612 kg (1,349 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area25.7 m² (277 ft²)29.0 m² (312 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity30 L (7.9 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths55
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1985 Hunter 25.5
19.19
1982 Freedom 28
16.02
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1985 Hunter 25.5
38.54
1982 Freedom 28
36.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1985 Hunter 25.5
0.89
1982 Freedom 28
0.84
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1985 Hunter 25.5
14.36
1982 Freedom 28
17.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1985 Hunter 25.5 and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Hunter 25.5 is a 1980s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1985 Hunter 25.5 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.

In terms of size, the 1985 Hunter 25.5 measures 7.77m (25.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1982 Freedom 28 is 0.76m longer than the 1985 Hunter 25.5. The 1982 Freedom 28 displaces approximately 57% 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 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1985 Hunter 25.5 and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 28, 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 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1982 Freedom 28 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: 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: 1985 Hunter 25.5 · 1982 Freedom 28