Hunter 240 vs Hunter 280 — Comparison
Hunter 240
Hunter 280
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 240 | Hunter 280 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Hunter |
| Year | 1999–2004 | 1998–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.17 m (20.2 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) |
| Ballast | 476 kg (1,049 lbs) | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 22.5 m² (242 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 8 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 L (5.0 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 240 and Hunter 280 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 240 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Hunter 280 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The Hunter 240 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Hunter 280 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the Hunter 240 measures 7.32m (24.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the Hunter 280 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.82m beam. The Hunter 280 is 1.21m longer than the Hunter 240. The Hunter 280 displaces approximately 90% 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 Hunter 280, with an SA/D of 18.35 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Hunter 280 has a comfort ratio of 16.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 35.0% for the Hunter 240 and 38.6% for the Hunter 280, 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 Hunter 280 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hunter 280 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 Hunter 280 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Hunter 240 · Hunter 280