Hunter 36 vs 1975 Pearson 28 — Comparison

Hunter 36Hunter 36
VS
1975 Pearson 281975 Pearson 28

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 361975 Pearson 28
General
ManufacturerHunterPearson
Year1996–20011975–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGlenn HendersonWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA10.82 m (35.5 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Ballast2,313 kg (5,099 lbs)1,270 kg (2,800 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.0 m² (603 ft²)30.0 m² (323 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine27 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity170 L (44.9 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 36
17.43
1975 Pearson 28
14.83
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 36
39.22
1975 Pearson 28
43.08
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 36
0.79
1975 Pearson 28
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 36
17.17
1975 Pearson 28
21.23

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 36 and 1975 Pearson 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 36 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1975 Pearson 28 is a 1970s offering from Pearson from USA. The Hunter 36 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1975 Pearson 28 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the Hunter 36 measures 10.82m (35.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 1975 Pearson 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The Hunter 36 is 2.29m longer than the 1975 Pearson 28. The Hunter 36 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hunter 36 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.43 and 56.0 m² of sail area. The 1975 Pearson 28, with an SA/D of 14.83 and 30.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Hunter 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hunter 36 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1975 Pearson 28 has a comfort ratio of 21.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.2% for the Hunter 36 and 43.1% for the 1975 Pearson 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hunter 36 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The 1975 Pearson 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Pearson 28 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 36 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 36 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 36 · 1975 Pearson 28