Hunter 36 vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison

Hunter 36Hunter 36
VS
1982 Freedom 281982 Freedom 28

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 361982 Freedom 28
General
ManufacturerHunterFreedom
Year1996–20011982–1988
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGlenn HendersonGarry Hoyt
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)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.14 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast2,313 kg (5,099 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.0 m² (603 ft²)29.0 m² (312 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
1982 Freedom 28
16.02
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 36
39.22
1982 Freedom 28
36.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 36
0.79
1982 Freedom 28
0.84
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 36
17.17
1982 Freedom 28
17.13

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 36 and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 36 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The Hunter 36 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.

In terms of size, the Hunter 36 measures 10.82m (35.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The Hunter 36 is 2.29m longer than the 1982 Freedom 28. The Hunter 36 displaces approximately 136% 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 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 39.2% for the Hunter 36 and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 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 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 36 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 · 1982 Freedom 28