Hunter 27 vs Hunter 30 — Comparison

Hunter 27Hunter 27
VS
Hunter 30Hunter 30

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 27Hunter 30
General
ManufacturerHunterHunter
Year1992–19981991–1996
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerHunter Design TeamHunter Design Team
Dimensions
LOA8.23 m (27.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
LWL7.32 m (24.0 ft)7.92 m (26.0 ft)
Beam2.79 m (9.2 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)
Ballast907 kg (2,000 lbs)1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area33.0 m² (355 ft²)41.0 m² (441 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine12 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity45 L (11.9 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 27
18.23
Hunter 30
16.94
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 27
36.35
Hunter 30
41.18
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 27
0.82
Hunter 30
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 27
16.96
Hunter 30
19.54

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 27 and Hunter 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 27 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Hunter 30 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The Hunter 27 was penned by Hunter Design Team. The Hunter 30 was designed by Hunter Design Team.

In terms of size, the Hunter 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.79m, compared to the Hunter 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Hunter 30 is 0.91m longer than the Hunter 27. The Hunter 30 displaces approximately 55% 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 Hunter 30, with an SA/D of 16.94 and 41.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 Hunter 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 36.4% for the Hunter 27 and 41.2% for the Hunter 30, 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 Hunter 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 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 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 Hunter 30 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: Hunter 27 · Hunter 30