Hunter 306 vs 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 — Comparison

Hunter 306Hunter 306
VS
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 3062005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
General
ManufacturerHunterHallberg-Rassy
Year1999–20042005–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerGlenn HendersonGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA9.25 m (30.3 ft)11.25 m (36.9 ft)
LWL8.08 m (26.5 ft)9.60 m (31.5 ft)
Beam3.10 m (10.2 ft)3.52 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.65 m (5.4 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,990 kg (8,796 lbs)7,500 kg (16,535 lbs)
Ballast1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area43.0 m² (463 ft²)62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 306
17.37
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
16.44
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 306
39.80
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 306
0.78
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
0.72
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 306
19.11
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
21.15

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 306 and 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 306 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 is a 2000s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Hunter 306 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the Hunter 306 measures 9.25m (30.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 at 11.25m (36.9ft) with a 3.52m beam. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 is 2.00m longer than the Hunter 306. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 displaces approximately 88% 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37, with an SA/D of 16.44 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 has a comfort ratio of 21.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the Hunter 306 and 40.0% for the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37, 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 280L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 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

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: Hunter 306 · 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37