Hunter 356 vs 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 — Comparison

Hunter 356Hunter 356
VS
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 412012 Beneteau Oceanis 41

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHunter 3562012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
General
ManufacturerHunterBeneteau
Year2000–20052012–2016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGlenn HendersonFinot-Conq
Dimensions
LOA10.82 m (35.5 ft)12.43 m (40.8 ft)
LWL9.30 m (30.5 ft)10.89 m (35.7 ft)
Beam3.53 m (11.6 ft)3.99 m (13.1 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area53.0 m² (571 ft²)74.0 m² (797 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hunter 356
17.40
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
18.05
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hunter 356
40.00
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
30.59
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hunter 356
0.80
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hunter 356
16.38
2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41
16.04

Detailed Comparison

The Hunter 356 and 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hunter 356 is a 2000s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The Hunter 356 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 was designed by Finot-Conq.

In terms of size, the Hunter 356 measures 10.82m (35.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.53m, compared to the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 at 12.43m (40.8ft) with a 3.99m beam. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 is 1.61m longer than the Hunter 356. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 displaces approximately 56% 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 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41, with an SA/D of 18.05 and 74.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 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 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Hunter 356 and 30.6% for the 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41, 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 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 140L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 356 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 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41 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 356 · 2012 Beneteau Oceanis 41