1991 Hunter 33.5 vs 1984 O'Day 30 — Comparison

1991 Hunter 33.5
VS
1984 O'Day 30

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1991 Hunter 33.51984 O'Day 30
General
ManufacturerHunterO'Day
Year1991–19961984–1989
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGlenn HendersonC. Raymond Hunt
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)1,452 kg (3,201 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.7 m² (546 ft²)36.0 m² (388 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeShoal draftFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP13 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1991 Hunter 33.5
16.65
1984 O'Day 30
15.49
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1991 Hunter 33.5
37.50
1984 O'Day 30
40.01
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1991 Hunter 33.5
0.80
1984 O'Day 30
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1991 Hunter 33.5
18.53
1984 O'Day 30
19.36

Detailed Comparison

The 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 1984 O'Day 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1984 O'Day 30 is a 1980s offering from O'Day from USA. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1984 O'Day 30 was designed by C. Raymond Hunt.

In terms of size, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 1984 O'Day 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is 0.92m longer than the 1984 O'Day 30. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 displaces approximately 50% 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 1984 O'Day 30, with an SA/D of 15.49 and 36.0 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 1984 O'Day 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 40.0% for the 1984 O'Day 30, 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 1984 O'Day 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 O'Day 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 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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