1996 Hunter 290 vs Catalina 28 — Comparison
1996 Hunter 290
Catalina 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Hunter 290 | Catalina 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Catalina |
| Year | 1996–2000 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,493 kg (7,701 lbs) | 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.9 m² (419 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Hunter 290 and Catalina 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Hunter 290 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Catalina 28 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1996 Hunter 290 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Catalina 28 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1996 Hunter 290 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the Catalina 28 at 8.69m (28.5ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1996 Hunter 290 is 0.15m longer than the Catalina 28. The 1996 Hunter 290 displaces approximately 24% 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 Catalina 28, with an SA/D of 17.09 and 33.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Catalina 28 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 39.0% for the 1996 Hunter 290 and 40.3% for the Catalina 28, 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 Catalina 28 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L 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
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Or view individual specs: 1996 Hunter 290 · Catalina 28