Hunter 280 vs Hunter 31 — Comparison
Hunter 280
Hunter 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 280 | Hunter 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Hunter |
| Year | 1998–2003 | 2000–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) | 3.12 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 280 and Hunter 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 280 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Hunter 31 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The Hunter 280 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Hunter 31 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the Hunter 280 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.82m, compared to the Hunter 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The Hunter 31 is 0.92m longer than the Hunter 280. The Hunter 31 displaces approximately 58% 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 Hunter 31, with an SA/D of 17.51 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Hunter 31 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.6% for the Hunter 280 and 38.9% for the Hunter 31, 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 Hunter 31 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hunter 31 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 Hunter 31 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 · Hunter 31