1992 J/32 vs Hanse 320 — Comparison

1992 J/32 1992 J/32
VS
Hanse 320 Hanse 320

Specifications Side by Side

Specification 1992 J/32 Hanse 320
General
Manufacturer J/Boats Hanse
Year 1992–1997 2005–2010
Type Sloop Sloop
Country USA Germany
Designer Rod Johnstone judel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA 9.91 m (32.5 ft) 9.92 m (32.5 ft)
LWL 8.38 m (27.5 ft) 8.80 m (28.9 ft)
Beam 3.13 m (10.3 ft) 3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft 1.83 m (6.0 ft) 1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Ballast 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 48.4 m² (521 ft²) 46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull Material Fiberglass Fiberglass
Keel Type Fin Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 18 HP 18 HP
Fuel Capacity 57 L (15.1 gal) 90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity 76 L (20.1 gal) 150 L (39.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 6 6
Cabins 2 2

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1992 J/32
20.00
Hanse 320
16.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1992 J/32
43.52
Hanse 320
30.43
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1992 J/32
0.80
Hanse 320
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1992 J/32
16.59
Hanse 320
17.40

Detailed Comparison

The 1992 J/32 and Hanse 320 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1992 J/32 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Hanse 320 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 1992 J/32 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Hanse 320 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 1992 J/32 measures 9.91m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the Hanse 320 at 9.92m (32.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The Hanse 320 is 0.01m longer than the 1992 J/32. The Hanse 320 displaces approximately 19% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1992 J/32 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.00 and 48.4 m² of sail area. The Hanse 320, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1992 J/32 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1992 J/32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Hanse 320 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1992 J/32 and 30.4% for the Hanse 320, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1992 J/32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Hanse 320 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hanse 320 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 1992 J/32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

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