Hunter 280 vs 2002 X-Yachts X-37 — Comparison
Hunter 280
2002 X-Yachts X-37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 280 | 2002 X-Yachts X-37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | X-Yachts |
| Year | 1998–2003 | 2002–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Denmark |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Niels Jeppesen |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 11.15 m (36.6 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 280 and 2002 X-Yachts X-37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 280 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2002 X-Yachts X-37 is a 2000s offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The Hunter 280 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2002 X-Yachts X-37 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.
In terms of size, the Hunter 280 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.82m, compared to the 2002 X-Yachts X-37 at 11.15m (36.6ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 2002 X-Yachts X-37 is 2.62m longer than the Hunter 280. The 2002 X-Yachts X-37 displaces approximately 151% 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 2002 X-Yachts X-37, with an SA/D of 18.09 and 62.0 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 2002 X-Yachts X-37 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.6% for the Hunter 280 and 38.5% for the 2002 X-Yachts X-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 2002 X-Yachts X-37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2002 X-Yachts X-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 2002 X-Yachts X-37 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.