1990 Dehler 31 vs Hunter 306 — Comparison
Hunter 306
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Dehler 31 | Hunter 306 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Hunter |
| Year | 1990–1996 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 9.25 m (30.3 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,900 kg (8,598 lbs) | 3,990 kg (8,796 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,560 kg (3,439 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Dehler 31 and Hunter 306 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Dehler 31 is a 1990s design by Dehler from Germany, while the Hunter 306 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1990 Dehler 31 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The Hunter 306 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1990 Dehler 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the Hunter 306 at 9.25m (30.3ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1990 Dehler 31 is 0.20m longer than the Hunter 306. The Hunter 306 displaces approximately 2% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Dehler 31 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.05 and 44.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 306, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1990 Dehler 31 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Dehler 31 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Hunter 306 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Dehler 31 and 39.8% for the Hunter 306, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Dehler 31 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The Hunter 306 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hunter 306 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 1990 Dehler 31 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 306 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: 1990 Dehler 31 · Hunter 306