Hunter 240 vs 1973 Ranger 33 — Comparison
Hunter 240
1973 Ranger 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 240 | 1973 Ranger 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Ranger |
| Year | 1999–2004 | 1973–1979 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.17 m (20.2 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 476 kg (1,049 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 22.5 m² (242 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 8 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 L (5.0 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 240 and 1973 Ranger 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 240 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1973 Ranger 33 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The Hunter 240 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1973 Ranger 33 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the Hunter 240 measures 7.32m (24.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the 1973 Ranger 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1973 Ranger 33 is 2.74m longer than the Hunter 240. The 1973 Ranger 33 displaces approximately 250% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hunter 240 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.62 and 22.5 m² of sail area. The 1973 Ranger 33, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hunter 240 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 240 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.88). The 1973 Ranger 33 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 35.0% for the Hunter 240 and 42.9% for the 1973 Ranger 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 240 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L of water capacity and 19L of fuel. The 1973 Ranger 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1973 Ranger 33 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 240 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1973 Ranger 33 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: Hunter 240 · 1973 Ranger 33