Hunter 356 vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison
Hunter 356
1992 Contest 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Hunter 356 | 1992 Contest 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Contest |
| Year | 2000–2005 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.30 m (30.5 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.53 m (11.6 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 10,400 kg (22,928 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Hunter 356 and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 356 is a 2000s design by Hunter from USA, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Hunter 356 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 1992 Contest 42 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Hunter 356 measures 10.82m (35.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.53m, compared to the 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1992 Contest 42 is 1.98m longer than the Hunter 356. The 1992 Contest 42 displaces approximately 91% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Hunter 356 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of sail area. The 1992 Contest 42, with an SA/D of 16.20 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hunter 356 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Hunter 356 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Hunter 356 and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Hunter 356 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1992 Contest 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1992 Contest 42 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 356 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1992 Contest 42 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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 356 · 1992 Contest 42