Hanse 315 vs Hunter 280 — Comparison
Hunter 280
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hanse 315 | Hunter 280 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hanse | Hunter |
| Year | 2010–2016 | 1998–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | judel/vrolijk & co | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.65 m (31.7 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.55 m (28.1 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.15 m (10.3 ft) | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs) | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 41.5 m² (447 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 85 L (22.5 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hanse 315 and Hunter 280 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 315 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the Hunter 280 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The Hanse 315 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The Hunter 280 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the Hanse 315 measures 9.65m (31.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.15m, compared to the Hunter 280 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.82m beam. The Hanse 315 is 1.12m longer than the Hunter 280. The Hanse 315 displaces approximately 62% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hanse 315 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.20 and 41.5 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 Hanse 315 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Hunter 280 has a comfort ratio of 16.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 28.6% for the Hanse 315 and 38.6% for the Hunter 280, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hanse 315 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L of water capacity and 85L of fuel. The Hunter 280 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hanse 315 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: The Hunter 280 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: Hanse 315 · Hunter 280