Hunter 306 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison
Hunter 306
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 306 | 2016 Dehler 36 SQ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Dehler |
| Year | 1999–2004 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.25 m (30.3 ft) | 10.85 m (35.6 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,990 kg (8,796 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 55 L (14.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 306 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 306 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The Hunter 306 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the Hunter 306 measures 9.25m (30.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is 1.60m longer than the Hunter 306. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ displaces approximately 38% 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the Hunter 306 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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.