1996 Hunter 290 vs 1990 Sabre 36 — Comparison
1996 Hunter 290
1990 Sabre 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Hunter 290 | 1990 Sabre 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Sabre |
| Year | 1996–2000 | 1990–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Roger Hewson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,493 kg (7,701 lbs) | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 2,449 kg (5,399 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.9 m² (419 ft²) | 52.5 m² (565 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Hunter 290 and 1990 Sabre 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Hunter 290 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1990 Sabre 36 is a 1990s offering from Sabre from USA. The 1996 Hunter 290 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1990 Sabre 36 was designed by Roger Hewson.
In terms of size, the 1996 Hunter 290 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the 1990 Sabre 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1990 Sabre 36 is 2.13m longer than the 1996 Hunter 290. The 1990 Sabre 36 displaces approximately 69% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1996 Hunter 290 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.17 and 38.9 m² of sail area. The 1990 Sabre 36, with an SA/D of 16.34 and 52.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1996 Hunter 290 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1996 Hunter 290 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1990 Sabre 36 has a comfort ratio of 19.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 39.0% for the 1996 Hunter 290 and 41.5% for the 1990 Sabre 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1996 Hunter 290 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1990 Sabre 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1996 Hunter 290 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 1996 Hunter 290 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1996 Hunter 290 · 1990 Sabre 36