1995 J/80 vs Hunter 185 — Comparison
Hunter 185
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1995 J/80 | Hunter 185 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Hunter |
| Year | 1995 | 2000–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Hunter Design Team |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.00 m (26.2 ft) | 5.54 m (18.2 ft) |
| LWL | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) | 4.95 m (16.2 ft) |
| Beam | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 2.13 m (7.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.49 m (4.9 ft) | 0.91 m (3.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,360 kg (2,998 lbs) | 408 kg (899 lbs) |
| Ballast | 499 kg (1,100 lbs) | 82 kg (181 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 32.0 m² (344 ft²) | 13.0 m² (140 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Centerboard |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity | — | — |
| Water Capacity | — | — |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 2 | 2 |
| Cabins | — | — |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1995 J/80 and Hunter 185 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 J/80 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Hunter 185 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1995 J/80 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Hunter 185 was designed by Hunter Design Team.
In terms of size, the 1995 J/80 measures 8.00m (26.2ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the Hunter 185 at 5.54m (18.2ft) with a 2.13m beam. The 1995 J/80 is 2.46m longer than the Hunter 185. The 1995 J/80 displaces approximately 233% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1995 J/80 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 26.50 and 32.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 185, with an SA/D of 24.03 and 13.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 1995 J/80 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1995 J/80 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 11.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.90). The Hunter 185 has a comfort ratio of 8.7 and a capsize screening value of 1.15. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 1995 J/80 and 20.1% for the Hunter 185, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1995 J/80 provides 2 berths with unspecified water tankage and unspecified fuel capacity. The Hunter 185 offers 2 berths with unspecified water tankage and unspecified fuel.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1995 J/80 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 1995 J/80 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 J/80 · Hunter 185