2003 Hunter 41 AC vs 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Hunter 41 AC | 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Beneteau |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 2009–2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.50 m (41.0 ft) | 10.44 m (34.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 9.20 m (30.2 ft) |
| Beam | 4.09 m (13.4 ft) | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) | 5,550 kg (12,236 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 73.2 m² (788 ft²) | 51.0 m² (549 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Shoal draft | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Hunter 41 AC and 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC is a 2000s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC measures 12.50m (41.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 at 10.44m (34.3ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC is 2.06m longer than the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC displaces approximately 63% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.10 and 73.2 m² of sail area. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, with an SA/D of 16.53 and 51.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.0% for the 2003 Hunter 41 AC and 28.8% for the 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34 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 2003 Hunter 41 AC has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2003 Hunter 41 AC 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: 2003 Hunter 41 AC · 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 34