1996 Hunter 290 vs Beneteau First 29 — Comparison
1996 Hunter 290
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Hunter 290 | Beneteau First 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Beneteau |
| Year | 1996–2000 | 1995–2000 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Bruce Farr |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 8.90 m (29.2 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 7.95 m (26.1 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 2.95 m (9.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,493 kg (7,701 lbs) | 3,100 kg (6,834 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.9 m² (419 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 50 L (13.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Hunter 290 and Beneteau First 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Hunter 290 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Beneteau First 29 is a 1990s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1996 Hunter 290 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Beneteau First 29 was designed by Bruce Farr.
In terms of size, the 1996 Hunter 290 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the Beneteau First 29 at 8.90m (29.2ft) with a 2.95m beam. The Beneteau First 29 is 0.06m longer than the 1996 Hunter 290. The 1996 Hunter 290 displaces approximately 13% 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 Beneteau First 29, with an SA/D of 18.88 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 29 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 Beneteau First 29 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 39.0% for the 1996 Hunter 290 and 34.8% for the Beneteau First 29, 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 Beneteau First 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 80L water and 50L 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 Beneteau First 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1996 Hunter 290 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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 · Beneteau First 29