Hunter 280 vs 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 — Comparison
Hunter 280
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 280 | 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Beneteau |
| Year | 1998–2003 | 2008–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 11.35 m (37.2 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 9.93 m (32.6 ft) |
| Beam | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) | 6,680 kg (14,727 lbs) |
| Ballast | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) | 59.0 m² (635 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 7 |
| Cabins | 1 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 280 and 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 280 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The Hunter 280 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the Hunter 280 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.82m, compared to the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 at 11.35m (37.2ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is 2.82m longer than the Hunter 280. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 displaces approximately 158% 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 59.0 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 38.6% for the Hunter 280 and 29.9% for the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 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 · 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37