1996 Hunter 290 vs Jeanneau Sun 2000 — Comparison

1996 Hunter 2901996 Hunter 290
VS
Jeanneau Sun 2000

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1996 Hunter 290Jeanneau Sun 2000
General
ManufacturerHunterJeanneau
Year1996–20002001–2008
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGlenn HendersonDaniel Andrieu
Dimensions
LOA8.84 m (29.0 ft)6.08 m (19.9 ft)
LWL7.47 m (24.5 ft)5.45 m (17.9 ft)
Beam2.97 m (9.7 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.10 m (3.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,493 kg (7,701 lbs)700 kg (1,543 lbs)
Ballast1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)200 kg (441 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area38.9 m² (419 ft²)17.5 m² (188 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinLifting
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP4 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)15 L (4.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths63
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1996 Hunter 290
17.17
Jeanneau Sun 2000
22.57
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1996 Hunter 290
38.96
Jeanneau Sun 2000
28.57
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1996 Hunter 290
0.78
Jeanneau Sun 2000
1.04
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1996 Hunter 290
20.27
Jeanneau Sun 2000
11.16

Detailed Comparison

The 1996 Hunter 290 and Jeanneau Sun 2000 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Hunter 290 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Jeanneau Sun 2000 is a 2000s offering from Jeanneau from France. The 1996 Hunter 290 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Jeanneau Sun 2000 was designed by Daniel Andrieu.

In terms of size, the 1996 Hunter 290 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the Jeanneau Sun 2000 at 6.08m (19.9ft) with a 2.30m beam. The 1996 Hunter 290 is 2.76m longer than the Jeanneau Sun 2000. The 1996 Hunter 290 displaces approximately 399% 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 Jeanneau Sun 2000, with an SA/D of 22.57 and 17.5 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Jeanneau Sun 2000 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 Jeanneau Sun 2000 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 1.04. The ballast ratios are 39.0% for the 1996 Hunter 290 and 28.6% for the Jeanneau Sun 2000, 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 Jeanneau Sun 2000 offers 3 berths in 1 cabin with 15L water and unspecified fuel.

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 Jeanneau Sun 2000 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.

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