1991 Hunter 33.5 vs Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 — Comparison

1991 Hunter 33.5
VS
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1991 Hunter 33.5Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
General
ManufacturerHunterBeneteau
Year1991–19962016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGlenn HendersonMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)10.34 m (33.9 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)9.35 m (30.7 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.39 m (11.1 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.7 m² (546 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeShoal draftFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1991 Hunter 33.5
16.65
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
17.60
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1991 Hunter 33.5
37.50
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
30.77
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1991 Hunter 33.5
0.80
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1991 Hunter 33.5
18.53
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
16.89

Detailed Comparison

The 1991 Hunter 33.5 and Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 at 10.34m (33.9ft) with a 3.39m beam. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is 0.28m longer than the 1991 Hunter 33.5. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 displaces approximately 5% 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 Beneteau Oceanis 34.1, with an SA/D of 17.60 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 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 Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1, 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 Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L 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 Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 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 · Beneteau Oceanis 34.1