1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs Hunter 356 — Comparison
Hunter 356
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | Hunter 356 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Hunter |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 2000–2005 |
| 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) | 9.30 m (30.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.53 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Hunter 356 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 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The Hunter 356 is 1.67m longer than the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic. The Hunter 356 displaces approximately 43% 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 356, with an SA/D of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 356 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 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, 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 356 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L 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 356 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 356 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 356