1998 Hunter 340 vs 1983 Freedom 36 — Comparison
1998 Hunter 340
1983 Freedom 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1998 Hunter 340 | 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 | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.02 m (29.6 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 6,123 kg (13,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.1 m² (550 ft²) | 49.0 m² (527 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 25 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 190 L (50.2 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1998 Hunter 340 and 1983 Freedom 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Hunter 340 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1983 Freedom 36 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1998 Hunter 340 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1983 Freedom 36 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the 1998 Hunter 340 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 1983 Freedom 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The 1983 Freedom 36 is 0.61m longer than the 1998 Hunter 340. The 1983 Freedom 36 displaces approximately 12% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1998 Hunter 340 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 51.1 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 1998 Hunter 340 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1998 Hunter 340 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1983 Freedom 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1998 Hunter 340 and 37.0% for the 1983 Freedom 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1998 Hunter 340 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L 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 1998 Hunter 340 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1998 Hunter 340 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: 1998 Hunter 340 · 1983 Freedom 36