Hunter 280 vs 1983 Freedom 36 — Comparison
Hunter 280
1983 Freedom 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 280 | 1983 Freedom 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Freedom |
| Year | 1998–2003 | 1983–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) | 6,123 kg (13,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) | 49.0 m² (527 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 190 L (50.2 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 280 and 1983 Freedom 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 280 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1983 Freedom 36 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The Hunter 280 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1983 Freedom 36 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the Hunter 280 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.82m, compared to the 1983 Freedom 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The 1983 Freedom 36 is 2.44m longer than the Hunter 280. The 1983 Freedom 36 displaces approximately 137% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hunter 280 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.35 and 34.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Freedom 36, with an SA/D of 14.88 and 49.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Hunter 280 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 280 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.82). The 1983 Freedom 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.6% for the Hunter 280 and 37.0% for the 1983 Freedom 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 280 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 1983 Freedom 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Freedom 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 280 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1983 Freedom 36 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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 280 · 1983 Freedom 36