1990 J/40 vs Hunter 380 — Comparison

1990 J/40
VS
Hunter 380Hunter 380

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 J/40Hunter 380
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsHunter
Year1990–19952001–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerRod JohnstoneGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA12.30 m (40.4 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL10.21 m (33.5 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.76 m (12.3 ft)
Draft2.08 m (6.8 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)7,257 kg (15,999 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area72.5 m² (780 ft²)64.0 m² (689 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 J/40
18.87
Hunter 380
17.35
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 J/40
44.12
Hunter 380
37.51
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 J/40
0.74
Hunter 380
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 J/40
17.98
Hunter 380
17.27

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 J/40 and Hunter 380 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 J/40 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Hunter 380 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1990 J/40 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Hunter 380 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the 1990 J/40 measures 12.30m (40.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Hunter 380 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The 1990 J/40 is 0.72m longer than the Hunter 380. The 1990 J/40 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1990 J/40 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.87 and 72.5 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 1990 J/40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1990 J/40 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Hunter 380 has a comfort ratio of 17.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 44.1% for the 1990 J/40 and 37.5% for the Hunter 380, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1990 J/40 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Hunter 380 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 J/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 1990 J/40 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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