Hunter 30 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison
Hunter 30
2014 Elan 400
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 30 | 2014 Elan 400 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Elan |
| Year | 1991–1996 | 2014–2018 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Slovenia |
| Designer | Hunter Design Team | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 12.07 m (39.6 ft) |
| LWL | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 10.50 m (34.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.90 m (12.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 8,200 kg (18,078 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 30 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 30 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Hunter 30 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the Hunter 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 2.93m longer than the Hunter 30. The 2014 Elan 400 displaces approximately 113% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hunter 30 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.94 and 41.0 m² of sail area. The 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the Hunter 30 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 30 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hunter 30 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 2014 Elan 400 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2014 Elan 400 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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: Hunter 30 · 2014 Elan 400