1998 Hunter 340 vs Hunter 306 — Comparison
1998 Hunter 340
Hunter 306
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Hunter 340 | Hunter 306 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Hunter |
| Year | 1998–2003 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 9.25 m (30.3 ft) |
| LWL | 9.02 m (29.6 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 3,990 kg (8,796 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.1 m² (550 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Hunter 340 and Hunter 306 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Hunter 340 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Hunter 306 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1998 Hunter 340 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Hunter 306 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1998 Hunter 340 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Hunter 306 at 9.25m (30.3ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1998 Hunter 340 is 1.11m longer than the Hunter 306. The 1998 Hunter 340 displaces approximately 36% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1998 Hunter 340 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 51.1 m² of sail area. The Hunter 306, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 306 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1998 Hunter 340 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Hunter 306 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1998 Hunter 340 and 39.8% for the Hunter 306, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1998 Hunter 340 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The Hunter 306 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hunter 306 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 306 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1998 Hunter 340 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: 1998 Hunter 340 · Hunter 306