Hunter 36 vs 1988 Westerly Corsair — Comparison

Hunter 36Hunter 36
VS
1988 Westerly Corsair1988 Westerly Corsair

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 361988 Westerly Corsair
General
ManufacturerHunterWesterly
Year1996–20011988–1994
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerGlenn HendersonEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA10.82 m (35.5 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)3.50 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast2,313 kg (5,099 lbs)2,450 kg (5,401 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.0 m² (603 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine27 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity170 L (44.9 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 36
17.43
1988 Westerly Corsair
14.81
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 36
39.22
1988 Westerly Corsair
38.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 36
0.79
1988 Westerly Corsair
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 36
17.17
1988 Westerly Corsair
19.55

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 36 and 1988 Westerly Corsair represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 36 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1988 Westerly Corsair is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The Hunter 36 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1988 Westerly Corsair was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the Hunter 36 measures 10.82m (35.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 1988 Westerly Corsair at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.50m beam. The 1988 Westerly Corsair is 0.18m longer than the Hunter 36. The 1988 Westerly Corsair displaces approximately 8% 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 1988 Westerly Corsair, with an SA/D of 14.81 and 50.0 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 1988 Westerly Corsair has a comfort ratio of 19.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 39.2% for the Hunter 36 and 38.6% for the 1988 Westerly Corsair, 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 1988 Westerly Corsair offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Westerly Corsair 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 1988 Westerly Corsair 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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