1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs Hunter 30 — Comparison
Hunter 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | Hunter 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Hunter |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 1991–1996 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Hunter Design Team |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and Hunter 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the Hunter 30 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Hunter 30 was designed by Hunter Design Team.
In terms of size, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic measures 9.15m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the Hunter 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is 0.01m longer than the Hunter 30. The Hunter 30 displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.69 and 40.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 30, with an SA/D of 16.94 and 41.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hunter 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Hunter 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 41.2% for the Hunter 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 90L of water capacity and 50L of fuel. The Hunter 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hunter 30 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 Hunter 30 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Hunter 30 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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Or view individual specs: 1997 Dufour 30 Classic · Hunter 30