2008 X-Yachts 34 vs Hunter 306 — Comparison

2008 X-Yachts 342008 X-Yachts 34
VS
Hunter 306Hunter 306

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2008 X-Yachts 34Hunter 306
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsHunter
Year2008–20131999–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA10.33 m (33.9 ft)9.25 m (30.3 ft)
LWL9.35 m (30.7 ft)8.08 m (26.5 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.10 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.65 m (5.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,300 kg (11,684 lbs)3,990 kg (8,796 lbs)
Ballast1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.0 m² (592 ft²)43.0 m² (463 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity65 L (17.2 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 X-Yachts 34
18.38
Hunter 306
17.37
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 X-Yachts 34
33.96
Hunter 306
39.80
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 X-Yachts 34
0.75
Hunter 306
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 X-Yachts 34
18.00
Hunter 306
19.11

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 X-Yachts 34 and Hunter 306 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 is a 2000s design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the Hunter 306 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Hunter 306 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 measures 10.33m (33.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Hunter 306 at 9.25m (30.3ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 is 1.08m longer than the Hunter 306. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 displaces approximately 33% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.38 and 55.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 306, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Hunter 306 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 34.0% for the 2008 X-Yachts 34 and 39.8% for the Hunter 306, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L of water capacity and 65L of fuel. The Hunter 306 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 306 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 2008 X-Yachts 34 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.

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Or view individual specs: 2008 X-Yachts 34 · Hunter 306