Hunter 306 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
Hunter 306
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 306 | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1999–2004 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.25 m (30.3 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,990 kg (8,796 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 306 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 306 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Hunter 306 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Hunter 306 measures 9.25m (30.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 2.94m longer than the Hunter 306. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 116% 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 1987 Cape Dory 40, with an SA/D of 15.59 and 64.5 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 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the Hunter 306 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, 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 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 284L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 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: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 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 306 · 1987 Cape Dory 40