Dufour 32 Classic vs Hunter 30 — Comparison
Hunter 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | Hunter 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Hunter |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 1991–1996 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Hunter Design Team |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and Hunter 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the Hunter 30 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Hunter 30 was designed by Hunter Design Team.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the Hunter 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Dufour 32 Classic is 0.56m longer than the Hunter 30. The Dufour 32 Classic displaces approximately 17% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 32 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 45.0 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 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 32 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Hunter 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 41.2% for the Hunter 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 32 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L 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 30 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
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Dufour 32 Classic · Hunter 30