1991 Hunter 33.5 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1991 Hunter 33.5 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Dufour |
| Year | 1991–1996 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.7 m² (546 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Shoal draft | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1991 Hunter 33.5 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is 0.36m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 displaces approximately 21% 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 Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 32 Classic 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 Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, 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 Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 32 Classic 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 Dufour 32 Classic 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1991 Hunter 33.5 · Dufour 32 Classic