1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs Hunter 260 — Comparison
Hunter 260
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | Hunter 260 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Hunter |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 7.85 m (25.8 ft) |
| LWL | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 771 kg (1,700 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 27.5 m² (296 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and Hunter 260 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the Hunter 260 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Hunter 260 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 260 at 7.85m (25.8ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is 1.30m longer than the Hunter 260. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic displaces approximately 86% 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 260, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 27.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 260 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 260 has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.87. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 37.8% for the Hunter 260, 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 260 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L 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 260 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: 1997 Dufour 30 Classic · Hunter 260