2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large vs Hunter 356 — Comparison
Hunter 356
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large | Hunter 356 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Hunter |
| Year | 2007–2012 | 2000–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) |
| LWL | 11.12 m (36.5 ft) | 9.30 m (30.5 ft) |
| Beam | 4.01 m (13.2 ft) | 3.53 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,000 kg (19,842 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 77.0 m² (829 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 280 L (74.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The Hunter 356 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 4.01m, compared to the Hunter 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large is 1.95m longer than the Hunter 356. The 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large displaces approximately 65% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.08 and 77.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 356, with an SA/D of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Hunter 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L of water capacity and 140L of fuel. The Hunter 356 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L 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 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large 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: 2007 Dufour 425 Grand Large · Hunter 356