1996 Hunter 290 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
1996 Hunter 290
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Hunter 290 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Dufour |
| Year | 1996–2000 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,493 kg (7,701 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.9 m² (419 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Hunter 290 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Hunter 290 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1996 Hunter 290 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1996 Hunter 290 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Dufour 32 Classic is 0.86m longer than the 1996 Hunter 290. The Dufour 32 Classic displaces approximately 29% 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 Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 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 Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 39.0% for the 1996 Hunter 290 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, 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 Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1996 Hunter 290 · Dufour 32 Classic