1989 J/35 vs Hunter 380 — Comparison

1989 J/35
VS
Hunter 380Hunter 380

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 J/35Hunter 380
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsHunter
Year1989–19932001–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerRod JohnstoneGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
Beam3.43 m (11.3 ft)3.76 m (12.3 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)7,257 kg (15,999 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)64.0 m² (689 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 J/35
19.46
Hunter 380
17.35
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 J/35
43.48
Hunter 380
37.51
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 J/35
0.79
Hunter 380
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 J/35
16.84
Hunter 380
17.27

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 J/35 and Hunter 380 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Hunter 380 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Hunter 380 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the Hunter 380 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Hunter 380 is 0.91m longer than the 1989 J/35. The Hunter 380 displaces approximately 39% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1989 J/35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.46 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The Hunter 380, with an SA/D of 17.35 and 64.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1989 J/35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1989 J/35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Hunter 380 has a comfort ratio of 17.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 37.5% for the Hunter 380, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1989 J/35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Hunter 380 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 380 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 1989 J/35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hunter 380 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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