Hunter 212 vs Hunter 306 — Comparison
Hunter 212
Hunter 306
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 212 | Hunter 306 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Hunter |
| Year | 2003–2008 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 6.35 m (20.8 ft) | 9.25 m (30.3 ft) |
| LWL | 5.56 m (18.2 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.26 m (7.4 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 0.99 m (3.2 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 680 kg (1,499 lbs) | 3,990 kg (8,796 lbs) |
| Ballast | 168 kg (370 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 16.0 m² (172 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Centerboard | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 4 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 15 L (4.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 3 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 212 and Hunter 306 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 212 is a 2000s design by Hunter from USA, while the Hunter 306 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The Hunter 212 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Hunter 306 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the Hunter 212 measures 6.35m (20.8ft) overall with a beam of 2.26m, compared to the Hunter 306 at 9.25m (30.3ft) with a 3.10m beam. The Hunter 306 is 2.90m longer than the Hunter 212. The Hunter 306 displaces approximately 487% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hunter 212 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 21.04 and 16.0 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 212 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 212 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 10.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 1.03). The Hunter 306 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 24.7% for the Hunter 212 and 39.8% for the Hunter 306, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 212 provides 3 berths in 1 cabin with 15L of water capacity and unspecified fuel capacity. 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 212 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 306 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 212 · Hunter 306