1982 Hunter 34 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
1982 Hunter 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1982 Hunter 34 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Dufour |
| Year | 1982–1988 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Hunter Design Team | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.2 m² (540 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1982 Hunter 34 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1982 Hunter 34 is a 1980s design by Hunter from USA, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1982 Hunter 34 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1982 Hunter 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1982 Hunter 34 is 0.66m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 1982 Hunter 34 displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1982 Hunter 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.48 and 50.2 m² of sail area. The Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 32 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1982 Hunter 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1982 Hunter 34 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1982 Hunter 34 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1982 Hunter 34 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 32 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1982 Hunter 34 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: 1982 Hunter 34 · Dufour 32 Classic