Hunter 306 vs 1994 Island Packet 35 — Comparison
Hunter 306
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 306 | 1994 Island Packet 35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Island Packet |
| Year | 1999–2004 | 1994–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.25 m (30.3 ft) | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.32 m (4.3 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,990 kg (8,796 lbs) | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) | 53.5 m² (576 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 306 and 1994 Island Packet 35 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The Hunter 306 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1994 Island Packet 35 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Hunter 306 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1994 Island Packet 35 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the Hunter 306 measures 9.25m (30.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1994 Island Packet 35 at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1994 Island Packet 35 is 1.42m longer than the Hunter 306. The 1994 Island Packet 35 displaces approximately 82% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hunter 306 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.37 and 43.0 m² of sail area. The 1994 Island Packet 35, with an SA/D of 14.50 and 53.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Hunter 306 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 306 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1994 Island Packet 35 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the Hunter 306 and 40.6% for the 1994 Island Packet 35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 306 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1994 Island Packet 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Island Packet 35 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
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Or view individual specs: Hunter 306 · 1994 Island Packet 35