1985 Hunter 25.5 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Hunter 25.5 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Dufour |
| Year | 1985–1992 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Hunter Design Team | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.77 m (25.5 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 612 kg (1,349 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 25.7 m² (277 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Hunter 25.5 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Hunter 25.5 is a 1980s design by Hunter from USA, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1985 Hunter 25.5 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1985 Hunter 25.5 measures 7.77m (25.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Dufour 32 Classic is 1.93m longer than the 1985 Hunter 25.5. The Dufour 32 Classic displaces approximately 183% 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 Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 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 Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1985 Hunter 25.5 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, 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 Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 32 Classic 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 Dufour 32 Classic 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: 1985 Hunter 25.5 · Dufour 32 Classic