1986 J/28 vs Hanse 342 — Comparison

1986 J/28
VS
Hanse 342Hanse 342

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 J/28Hanse 342
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsHanse
Year1986–19902006–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerRod Johnstonejudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA8.66 m (28.4 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
LWL7.32 m (24.0 ft)9.20 m (30.2 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)5,300 kg (11,684 lbs)
Ballast1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)1,650 kg (3,638 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area37.6 m² (405 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine12 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 J/28
18.59
Hanse 342
17.38
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 J/28
46.17
Hanse 342
31.13
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 J/28
0.85
Hanse 342
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 J/28
17.20
Hanse 342
17.57

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 J/28 and Hanse 342 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 J/28 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Hanse 342 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1986 J/28 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Hanse 342 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1986 J/28 measures 8.66m (28.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Hanse 342 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Hanse 342 is 1.64m longer than the 1986 J/28. The Hanse 342 displaces approximately 80% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1986 J/28 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.59 and 37.6 m² of sail area. The Hanse 342, with an SA/D of 17.38 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1986 J/28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1986 J/28 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.85). The Hanse 342 has a comfort ratio of 17.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 46.2% for the 1986 J/28 and 31.1% for the Hanse 342, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1986 J/28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Hanse 342 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hanse 342 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 1986 J/28 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hanse 342 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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