2005 Hanse 312 vs Hunter 280 — Comparison
Hunter 280
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2005 Hanse 312 | Hunter 280 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hanse | Hunter |
| Year | 2005–2008 | 1998–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.55 m (31.3 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.50 m (27.9 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,300 kg (9,480 lbs) | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.0 m² (506 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 55 L (14.5 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2005 Hanse 312 and Hunter 280 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Hanse 312 is a 2000s design by Hanse from Germany, while the Hunter 280 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2005 Hanse 312 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The Hunter 280 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 2005 Hanse 312 measures 9.55m (31.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the Hunter 280 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.82m beam. The 2005 Hanse 312 is 1.02m longer than the Hunter 280. The 2005 Hanse 312 displaces approximately 66% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2005 Hanse 312 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.06 and 47.0 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 280 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2005 Hanse 312 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Hunter 280 has a comfort ratio of 16.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 32.6% for the 2005 Hanse 312 and 38.6% for the Hunter 280, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2005 Hanse 312 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 55L of fuel. The Hunter 280 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2005 Hanse 312 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 280 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: 2005 Hanse 312 · Hunter 280