Hunter 36 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

Hunter 36Hunter 36
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 362014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerHunterElan
Year1996–20012014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASlovenia
DesignerGlenn HendersonRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA10.82 m (35.5 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast2,313 kg (5,099 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.0 m² (603 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine27 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity170 L (44.9 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 36
17.43
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 36
39.22
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 36
0.79
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 36
17.17
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 36 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 36 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Hunter 36 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Hunter 36 measures 10.82m (35.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 1.25m longer than the Hunter 36. The 2014 Elan 400 displaces approximately 39% 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 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.2% for the Hunter 36 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L 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 2014 Elan 400 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2014 Elan 400 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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