1995 J/80 vs Hunter 27 — Comparison

1995 J/80
VS
Hunter 27Hunter 27

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1995 J/80Hunter 27
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsHunter
Year19951992–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerRod JohnstoneHunter Design Team
Dimensions
LOA8.00 m (26.2 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL7.01 m (23.0 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
Beam2.50 m (8.2 ft)2.79 m (9.2 ft)
Draft1.49 m (4.9 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,360 kg (2,998 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast499 kg (1,100 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area32.0 m² (344 ft²)33.0 m² (355 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine12 HP
Fuel Capacity45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths25
Cabins1

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1995 J/80
26.50
Hunter 27
18.23
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1995 J/80
36.69
Hunter 27
36.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1995 J/80
0.90
Hunter 27
0.82
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1995 J/80
11.55
Hunter 27
16.96

Detailed Comparison

The 1995 J/80 and Hunter 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 J/80 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Hunter 27 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1995 J/80 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Hunter 27 was designed by Hunter Design Team.

In terms of size, the 1995 J/80 measures 8.00m (26.2ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the Hunter 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.79m beam. The Hunter 27 is 0.23m longer than the 1995 J/80. The Hunter 27 displaces approximately 83% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1995 J/80 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 26.50 and 32.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 27, with an SA/D of 18.23 and 33.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1995 J/80 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1995 J/80 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 11.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.90). The Hunter 27 has a comfort ratio of 17.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 1995 J/80 and 36.4% for the Hunter 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1995 J/80 provides 2 berths with unspecified water tankage and unspecified fuel capacity. The Hunter 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 27 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 1995 J/80 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 27 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: 1995 J/80 · Hunter 27