1979 O'Day 25 vs Hunter 27 — Comparison

1979 O'Day 251979 O'Day 25
VS
Hunter 27Hunter 27

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1979 O'Day 25Hunter 27
General
ManufacturerO'DayHunter
Year1979–19841992–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerC. Raymond HuntHunter Design Team
Dimensions
LOA7.62 m (25.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL6.25 m (20.5 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
Beam2.74 m (9.0 ft)2.79 m (9.2 ft)
Draft1.07 m (3.5 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,769 kg (3,900 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast726 kg (1,601 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area27.2 m² (293 ft²)33.0 m² (355 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine7 HP12 HP
Fuel Capacity30 L (7.9 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity45 L (11.9 gal)68 L (18.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths55
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1979 O'Day 25
18.90
Hunter 27
18.23
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1979 O'Day 25
41.04
Hunter 27
36.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1979 O'Day 25
0.91
Hunter 27
0.82
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1979 O'Day 25
16.00
Hunter 27
16.96

Detailed Comparison

The 1979 O'Day 25 and Hunter 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1979 O'Day 25 is a 1970s design by O'Day from USA, while the Hunter 27 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1979 O'Day 25 was penned by C. Raymond Hunt. The Hunter 27 was designed by Hunter Design Team.

In terms of size, the 1979 O'Day 25 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.74m, compared to the Hunter 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.79m beam. The Hunter 27 is 0.61m longer than the 1979 O'Day 25. The Hunter 27 displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1979 O'Day 25 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.90 and 27.2 m² of sail area. The Hunter 27, with an SA/D of 18.23 and 33.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1979 O'Day 25 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1979 O'Day 25 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.91). The Hunter 27 has a comfort ratio of 17.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 41.0% for the 1979 O'Day 25 and 36.4% for the Hunter 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1979 O'Day 25 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 45L of water capacity and 30L of fuel. The Hunter 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 27 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 1979 O'Day 25 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: 1979 O'Day 25 · Hunter 27