Hanse 320 vs Dufour 36 Classic — Comparison
Hanse 320
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hanse 320 | Dufour 36 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hanse | Dufour |
| Year | 2005–2010 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | judel/vrolijk & co | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.92 m (32.5 ft) | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.80 m (28.9 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 110 L (29.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hanse 320 and Dufour 36 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 320 is a 2000s design by Hanse from Germany, while the Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The Hanse 320 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The Dufour 36 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the Hanse 320 measures 9.92m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Dufour 36 Classic at 10.90m (35.8ft) with a 3.50m beam. The Dufour 36 Classic is 0.98m longer than the Hanse 320. The Dufour 36 Classic displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hanse 320 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.90 and 46.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 36 Classic, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 36 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hanse 320 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Dufour 36 Classic has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the Hanse 320 and 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hanse 320 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 90L of fuel. The Dufour 36 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 110L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 36 Classic 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 Dufour 36 Classic 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.
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Or view individual specs: Hanse 320 · Dufour 36 Classic