Hunter 27 vs 1988 Westerly Corsair — Comparison

Hunter 27Hunter 27
VS
1988 Westerly Corsair1988 Westerly Corsair

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 271988 Westerly Corsair
General
ManufacturerHunterWesterly
Year1992–19981988–1994
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerHunter Design TeamEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA8.23 m (27.0 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL7.32 m (24.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam2.79 m (9.2 ft)3.50 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast907 kg (2,000 lbs)2,450 kg (5,401 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area33.0 m² (355 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine12 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity45 L (11.9 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths57
Cabins13

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 27
18.23
1988 Westerly Corsair
14.81
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 27
36.35
1988 Westerly Corsair
38.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 27
0.82
1988 Westerly Corsair
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 27
16.96
1988 Westerly Corsair
19.55

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 27 and 1988 Westerly Corsair represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 27 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1988 Westerly Corsair is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The Hunter 27 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The 1988 Westerly Corsair was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the Hunter 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.79m, compared to the 1988 Westerly Corsair at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.50m beam. The 1988 Westerly Corsair is 2.77m longer than the Hunter 27. The 1988 Westerly Corsair displaces approximately 155% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hunter 27 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.23 and 33.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Westerly Corsair, with an SA/D of 14.81 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Hunter 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hunter 27 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.82). The 1988 Westerly Corsair has a comfort ratio of 19.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 36.4% for the Hunter 27 and 38.6% for the 1988 Westerly Corsair, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hunter 27 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1988 Westerly Corsair offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Westerly Corsair 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 Hunter 27 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1988 Westerly Corsair 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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