Hunter 30 vs 1991 Westerly Seahawk — Comparison

Hunter 30Hunter 30
VS
1991 Westerly Seahawk1991 Westerly Seahawk

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 301991 Westerly Seahawk
General
ManufacturerHunterWesterly
Year1991–19961991–1997
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerHunter Design TeamEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA9.14 m (30.0 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL7.92 m (26.0 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)6,123 kg (13,499 lbs)
Ballast1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area41.0 m² (441 ft²)48.0 m² (517 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 30
16.94
1991 Westerly Seahawk
14.57
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 30
41.18
1991 Westerly Seahawk
40.75
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 30
0.78
1991 Westerly Seahawk
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 30
19.54
1991 Westerly Seahawk
22.81

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 30 and 1991 Westerly Seahawk represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 30 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1991 Westerly Seahawk is a 1990s offering from Westerly from UK. The Hunter 30 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the Hunter 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1991 Westerly Seahawk at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk is 1.22m longer than the Hunter 30. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk displaces approximately 59% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hunter 30 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.94 and 41.0 m² of sail area. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk, with an SA/D of 14.57 and 48.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Hunter 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hunter 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1991 Westerly Seahawk has a comfort ratio of 22.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the Hunter 30 and 40.8% for the 1991 Westerly Seahawk, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hunter 30 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 220L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1991 Westerly Seahawk 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 30 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1991 Westerly Seahawk 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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