Hunter 306 vs 1985 Contest 36 — Comparison
Hunter 306
1985 Contest 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 306 | 1985 Contest 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Contest |
| Year | 1999–2004 | 1985–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.25 m (30.3 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,990 kg (8,796 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 306 and 1985 Contest 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 306 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Hunter 306 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1985 Contest 36 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Hunter 306 measures 9.25m (30.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1985 Contest 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1985 Contest 36 is 1.72m longer than the Hunter 306. The 1985 Contest 36 displaces approximately 63% 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 1985 Contest 36, with an SA/D of 15.75 and 54.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hunter 306 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 1985 Contest 36 has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the Hunter 306 and 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36, 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 1985 Contest 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Contest 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 Hunter 306 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Hunter 306 · 1985 Contest 36