1978 Bristol 40 vs Hunter 306 — Comparison
1978 Bristol 40
Hunter 306
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Bristol 40 | Hunter 306 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bristol | Hunter |
| Year | 1978–1983 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Hood | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 9.25 m (30.3 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 3,990 kg (8,796 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.4 m² (672 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Bristol 40 and Hunter 306 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Bristol 40 is a 1970s design by Bristol from USA, while the Hunter 306 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1978 Bristol 40 was penned by Ted Hood. The Hunter 306 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1978 Bristol 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the Hunter 306 at 9.25m (30.3ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 1978 Bristol 40 is 2.94m longer than the Hunter 306. The 1978 Bristol 40 displaces approximately 105% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Bristol 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.63 and 62.4 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 306 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Bristol 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). The Hunter 306 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1978 Bristol 40 and 39.8% for the Hunter 306, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Bristol 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Hunter 306 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Bristol 40 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 306 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1978 Bristol 40 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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: 1978 Bristol 40 · Hunter 306