Hanse 342 vs 1983 Freedom 36 — Comparison

Hanse 342Hanse 342
VS
1983 Freedom 361983 Freedom 36

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHanse 3421983 Freedom 36
General
ManufacturerHanseFreedom
Year2006–20101983–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
Designerjudel/vrolijk & coGarry Hoyt
Dimensions
LOA10.30 m (33.8 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL9.20 m (30.2 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.51 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,300 kg (11,684 lbs)6,123 kg (13,499 lbs)
Ballast1,650 kg (3,638 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)49.0 m² (527 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP25 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)190 L (50.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hanse 342
17.38
1983 Freedom 36
14.88
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hanse 342
31.13
1983 Freedom 36
37.04
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hanse 342
0.78
1983 Freedom 36
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hanse 342
17.57
1983 Freedom 36
18.82

Detailed Comparison

The Hanse 342 and 1983 Freedom 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 342 is a 2000s design by Hanse from Germany, while the 1983 Freedom 36 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The Hanse 342 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The 1983 Freedom 36 was designed by Garry Hoyt.

In terms of size, the Hanse 342 measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1983 Freedom 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.51m beam. The 1983 Freedom 36 is 0.67m longer than the Hanse 342. The 1983 Freedom 36 displaces approximately 16% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hanse 342 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.38 and 52.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Freedom 36, with an SA/D of 14.88 and 49.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Hanse 342 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hanse 342 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1983 Freedom 36 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Hanse 342 and 37.0% for the 1983 Freedom 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hanse 342 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1983 Freedom 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1983 Freedom 36 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 Hanse 342 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: Hanse 342 · 1983 Freedom 36