1998 X-Yachts 332 vs Hunter 280 — Comparison

1998 X-Yachts 332
VS
Hunter 280Hunter 280

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 X-Yachts 332Hunter 280
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsHunter
Year1998–20031998–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL8.69 m (28.5 ft)7.47 m (24.5 ft)
Beam3.13 m (10.3 ft)2.82 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,700 kg (10,362 lbs)2,585 kg (5,699 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)998 kg (2,200 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.5 m² (544 ft²)34.0 m² (366 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 X-Yachts 332
18.29
Hunter 280
18.35
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 X-Yachts 332
40.43
Hunter 280
38.61
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 X-Yachts 332
0.75
Hunter 280
0.82
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 X-Yachts 332
19.07
Hunter 280
16.46

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 X-Yachts 332 and Hunter 280 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 X-Yachts 332 is a 1990s design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the Hunter 280 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1998 X-Yachts 332 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Hunter 280 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the 1998 X-Yachts 332 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the Hunter 280 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.82m beam. The 1998 X-Yachts 332 is 1.53m longer than the Hunter 280. The 1998 X-Yachts 332 displaces approximately 82% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1998 X-Yachts 332 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.29 and 50.5 m² of sail area. The Hunter 280, with an SA/D of 18.35 and 34.0 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 1998 X-Yachts 332 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Hunter 280 has a comfort ratio of 16.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 40.4% for the 1998 X-Yachts 332 and 38.6% for the Hunter 280, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1998 X-Yachts 332 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The Hunter 280 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1998 X-Yachts 332 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 1998 X-Yachts 332 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: 1998 X-Yachts 332 · Hunter 280