1996 Hunter 290 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison

1996 Hunter 2901996 Hunter 290
VS
2016 Dehler 36 SQ

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1996 Hunter 2902016 Dehler 36 SQ
General
ManufacturerHunterDehler
Year1996–20002016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGlenn HendersonJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA8.84 m (29.0 ft)10.85 m (35.6 ft)
LWL7.47 m (24.5 ft)9.85 m (32.3 ft)
Beam2.97 m (9.7 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,493 kg (7,701 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area38.9 m² (419 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)55 L (14.5 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1996 Hunter 290
17.17
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
18.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1996 Hunter 290
38.96
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
32.73
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1996 Hunter 290
0.78
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1996 Hunter 290
20.27
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
16.07

Detailed Comparison

The 1996 Hunter 290 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Hunter 290 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1996 Hunter 290 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1996 Hunter 290 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is 2.01m longer than the 1996 Hunter 290. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ displaces approximately 57% 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.0% for the 1996 Hunter 290 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 · 2016 Dehler 36 SQ