1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs Hunter 36 — Comparison
Hunter 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | Hunter 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Hunter |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 1996–2001 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) |
| LWL | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 5,897 kg (13,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,313 kg (5,099 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 56.0 m² (603 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and Hunter 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the Hunter 36 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Hunter 36 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
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 36 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.56m beam. The Hunter 36 is 1.67m longer than the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic. The Hunter 36 displaces approximately 55% 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 36, with an SA/D of 17.43 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 36 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 36 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 39.2% for the Hunter 36, 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 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic 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 36 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 36 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 36