Hunter 306 vs 1978 C&C 24 — Comparison

Hunter 306Hunter 306
VS
1978 C&C 241978 C&C 24

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 3061978 C&C 24
General
ManufacturerHunterC&C Yachts
Year1999–20041978–1983
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerGlenn HendersonCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA9.25 m (30.3 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
LWL8.08 m (26.5 ft)6.10 m (20.0 ft)
Beam3.10 m (10.2 ft)2.44 m (8.0 ft)
Draft1.65 m (5.4 ft)1.22 m (4.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,990 kg (8,796 lbs)1,497 kg (3,300 lbs)
Ballast1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)612 kg (1,349 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area43.0 m² (463 ft²)24.0 m² (258 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP7 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)19 L (5.0 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 306
17.37
1978 C&C 24
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 306
39.80
1978 C&C 24
40.88
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 306
0.78
1978 C&C 24
0.85
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 306
19.11
1978 C&C 24
16.77

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 306 and 1978 C&C 24 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 306 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Hunter 306 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1978 C&C 24 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the Hunter 306 measures 9.25m (30.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1978 C&C 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The Hunter 306 is 1.93m longer than the 1978 C&C 24. The Hunter 306 displaces approximately 167% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hunter 306 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.37 and 43.0 m² of sail area. The 1978 C&C 24, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 24.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1978 C&C 24 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hunter 306 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1978 C&C 24 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.85. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the Hunter 306 and 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hunter 306 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1978 C&C 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 306 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 1978 C&C 24 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 306 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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