1991 Hunter 33.5 vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison

1991 Hunter 33.5
VS
1982 Freedom 281982 Freedom 28

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1991 Hunter 33.51982 Freedom 28
General
ManufacturerHunterFreedom
Year1991–19961982–1988
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGlenn HendersonGarry Hoyt
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.14 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.7 m² (546 ft²)29.0 m² (312 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeShoal draftFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths75
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1991 Hunter 33.5
16.65
1982 Freedom 28
16.02
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1991 Hunter 33.5
37.50
1982 Freedom 28
36.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1991 Hunter 33.5
0.80
1982 Freedom 28
0.84
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1991 Hunter 33.5
18.53
1982 Freedom 28
17.13

Detailed Comparison

The 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.

In terms of size, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is 1.53m longer than the 1982 Freedom 28. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 displaces approximately 118% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.65 and 50.7 m² of sail area. The 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1991 Hunter 33.5 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 1991 Hunter 33.5 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1991 Hunter 33.5 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: 1991 Hunter 33.5 · 1982 Freedom 28