Hunter 33 vs 1975 Pearson 28 — Comparison

Hunter 33Hunter 33
VS
1975 Pearson 281975 Pearson 28

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 331975 Pearson 28
General
ManufacturerHunterPearson
Year1988–19941975–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerHunter Design TeamWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,763 kg (10,501 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Ballast1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)1,270 kg (2,800 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area48.0 m² (517 ft²)30.0 m² (323 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 33
17.23
1975 Pearson 28
14.83
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 33
38.09
1975 Pearson 28
43.08
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 33
0.80
1975 Pearson 28
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 33
18.10
1975 Pearson 28
21.23

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 33 and 1975 Pearson 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 33 is a 1980s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1975 Pearson 28 is a 1970s offering from Pearson from USA. The Hunter 33 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The 1975 Pearson 28 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the Hunter 33 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1975 Pearson 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The Hunter 33 is 1.53m longer than the 1975 Pearson 28. The Hunter 33 displaces approximately 62% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hunter 33 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.23 and 48.0 m² of sail area. The 1975 Pearson 28, with an SA/D of 14.83 and 30.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Hunter 33 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hunter 33 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1975 Pearson 28 has a comfort ratio of 21.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Hunter 33 and 43.1% for the 1975 Pearson 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hunter 33 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1975 Pearson 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Pearson 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 Hunter 33 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hunter 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: Hunter 33 · 1975 Pearson 28