Hunter 280 vs 1984 C&C 37+ — Comparison

Hunter 280Hunter 280
VS
1984 C&C 37+1984 C&C 37+

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 2801984 C&C 37+
General
ManufacturerHunterC&C Yachts
Year1998–20031984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerGlenn HendersonCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA8.53 m (28.0 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL7.47 m (24.5 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam2.82 m (9.3 ft)3.56 m (11.7 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,585 kg (5,699 lbs)6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)
Ballast998 kg (2,200 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area34.0 m² (366 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP25 HP
Fuel Capacity45 L (11.9 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths57
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 280
18.35
1984 C&C 37+
16.50
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 280
38.61
1984 C&C 37+
41.39
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 280
0.82
1984 C&C 37+
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 280
16.46
1984 C&C 37+
19.46

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 280 and 1984 C&C 37+ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 280 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1984 C&C 37+ is a 1980s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Hunter 280 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1984 C&C 37+ was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the Hunter 280 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.82m, compared to the 1984 C&C 37+ at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1984 C&C 37+ is 2.75m longer than the Hunter 280. The 1984 C&C 37+ displaces approximately 154% 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 1984 C&C 37+, with an SA/D of 16.50 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1984 C&C 37+ has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 38.6% for the Hunter 280 and 41.4% for the 1984 C&C 37+, 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 1984 C&C 37+ offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 C&C 37+ 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 1984 C&C 37+ 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 280 · 1984 C&C 37+