Hunter 260 vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison
Hunter 260
1982 Freedom 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 260 | 1982 Freedom 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Freedom |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1982–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.85 m (25.8 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 771 kg (1,700 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 27.5 m² (296 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 260 and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 260 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The Hunter 260 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the Hunter 260 measures 7.85m (25.8ft) overall with a beam of 2.74m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1982 Freedom 28 is 0.68m longer than the Hunter 260. The 1982 Freedom 28 displaces approximately 22% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hunter 260 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.37 and 27.5 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 260 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 260 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.87). The 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 37.8% for the Hunter 260 and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 260 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1982 Freedom 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 260 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
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Or view individual specs: Hunter 260 · 1982 Freedom 28