1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 vs Hunter 36 — Comparison

1995 Beneteau Oceanis 3211995 Beneteau Oceanis 321
VS
Hunter 36Hunter 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321Hunter 36
General
ManufacturerBeneteauHunter
Year1995–20011996–2001
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerGroupe FinotGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA9.68 m (31.8 ft)10.82 m (35.5 ft)
LWL8.45 m (27.7 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.27 m (10.7 ft)3.56 m (11.7 ft)
Draft1.60 m (5.2 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)2,313 kg (5,099 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area44.5 m² (479 ft²)56.0 m² (603 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP27 HP
Fuel Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321
17.37
Hunter 36
17.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321
35.71
Hunter 36
39.22
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321
0.81
Hunter 36
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321
17.12
Hunter 36
17.17

Detailed Comparison

The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 and Hunter 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Hunter 36 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 was penned by Groupe Finot. The Hunter 36 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 measures 9.68m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.27m, compared to the Hunter 36 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.56m beam. The Hunter 36 is 1.14m longer than the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321. The Hunter 36 displaces approximately 40% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.37 and 44.5 m² of sail area. The Hunter 36, with an SA/D of 17.43 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The Hunter 36 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 35.7% for the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 and 39.2% for the Hunter 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The Hunter 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 36 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 36 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: 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 · Hunter 36