1942 Nordic Folkboat vs Hunter 170 — Comparison

1942 Nordic Folkboat 1942 Nordic Folkboat
VS
Hunter 170 Hunter 170

Specifications Side by Side

Specification 1942 Nordic Folkboat Hunter 170
General
Manufacturer Nordic Hunter
Year 1942 1996–2009
Type Sloop Sloop
Country Sweden USA
Designer Tord Sunden Hunter Design Team
Dimensions
LOA 7.62 m (25.0 ft) 5.18 m (17.0 ft)
LWL 5.94 m (19.5 ft) 4.57 m (15.0 ft)
Beam 2.18 m (7.2 ft) 1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Draft 1.19 m (3.9 ft) 0.84 m (2.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) 295 kg (650 lbs)
Ballast 720 kg (1,587 lbs) 59 kg (130 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 23.0 m² (248 ft²) 11.2 m² (121 ft²)
Hull Material Wood/Epoxy Fiberglass
Keel Type Full Centerboard
Engine & Tanks
Engine 8 HP
Fuel Capacity 20 L (5.3 gal)
Water Capacity 30 L (7.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 4
Cabins 1

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1942 Nordic Folkboat
15.80
Hunter 170
25.70
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1942 Nordic Folkboat
40.00
Hunter 170
20.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1942 Nordic Folkboat
0.72
Hunter 170
1.19
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1942 Nordic Folkboat
23.60
Hunter 170
8.08

Detailed Comparison

The 1942 Nordic Folkboat and Hunter 170 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat is a classic design by Nordic from Sweden, while the Hunter 170 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat was penned by Tord Sunden. The Hunter 170 was designed by Hunter Design Team.

In terms of size, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.18m, compared to the Hunter 170 at 5.18m (17.0ft) with a 1.98m beam. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat is 2.44m longer than the Hunter 170. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat displaces approximately 510% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.80 and 23.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 170, with an SA/D of 25.70 and 11.2 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Hunter 170 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The Hunter 170 has a comfort ratio of 8.1 and a capsize screening value of 1.19. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1942 Nordic Folkboat and 20.0% for the Hunter 170, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L of water capacity and 20L of fuel. The Hunter 170 offers an unspecified number of berths with unspecified water tankage and unspecified fuel.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1942 Nordic Folkboat 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 170 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

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