1982 Hunter 34 vs 1997 Tartan 3700 — Comparison

1982 Hunter 341982 Hunter 34
VS
1997 Tartan 3700

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1982 Hunter 341997 Tartan 3700
General
ManufacturerHunterTartan
Year1982–19881997–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerHunter Design TeamTim Jackett
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)7,031 kg (15,501 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.2 m² (540 ft²)62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1982 Hunter 34
16.48
1997 Tartan 3700
17.16
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1982 Hunter 34
40.00
1997 Tartan 3700
41.93
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1982 Hunter 34
0.80
1997 Tartan 3700
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1982 Hunter 34
19.05
1997 Tartan 3700
18.41

Detailed Comparison

The 1982 Hunter 34 and 1997 Tartan 3700 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1982 Hunter 34 is a 1980s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1997 Tartan 3700 is a 1990s offering from Tartan from USA. The 1982 Hunter 34 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The 1997 Tartan 3700 was designed by Tim Jackett.

In terms of size, the 1982 Hunter 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 1997 Tartan 3700 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1997 Tartan 3700 is 0.92m longer than the 1982 Hunter 34. The 1997 Tartan 3700 displaces approximately 29% 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 1997 Tartan 3700, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1997 Tartan 3700 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 1997 Tartan 3700 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1982 Hunter 34 and 41.9% for the 1997 Tartan 3700, 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 1997 Tartan 3700 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 220L water and 130L 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 1997 Tartan 3700 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 · 1997 Tartan 3700