Hunter 27 vs 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 — Comparison

Hunter 27Hunter 27
VS
1988 Pacific Seacraft 31

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 271988 Pacific Seacraft 31
General
ManufacturerHunterPacific Seacraft
Year1992–19981988–2007
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerHunter Design TeamWilliam Crealock
Dimensions
LOA8.23 m (27.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
LWL7.32 m (24.0 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
Beam2.79 m (9.2 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)
Ballast907 kg (2,000 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area33.0 m² (355 ft²)40.5 m² (436 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine12 HP25 HP
Fuel Capacity45 L (11.9 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths55
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 27
18.23
1988 Pacific Seacraft 31
14.09
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 27
36.35
1988 Pacific Seacraft 31
43.63
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 27
0.82
1988 Pacific Seacraft 31
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 27
16.96
1988 Pacific Seacraft 31
26.02

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 27 and 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 27 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 is a 1980s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The Hunter 27 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 was designed by William Crealock.

In terms of size, the Hunter 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.79m, compared to the 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 is 1.22m longer than the Hunter 27. The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hunter 27 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.23 and 33.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31, with an SA/D of 14.09 and 40.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Hunter 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hunter 27 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.82). The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 has a comfort ratio of 26.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 36.4% for the Hunter 27 and 43.6% for the 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hunter 27 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 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 27 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: Hunter 27 · 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31