2012 Hanse 385 vs Hunter 280 — Comparison
Hunter 280
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2012 Hanse 385 | Hunter 280 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hanse | Hunter |
| Year | 2012–2016 | 1998–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.40 m (37.4 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.15 m (33.3 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.88 m (12.7 ft) | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,300 kg (16,094 lbs) | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 67.0 m² (721 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 170 L (44.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 5 |
| Cabins | 3 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2012 Hanse 385 and Hunter 280 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Hanse 385 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the Hunter 280 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2012 Hanse 385 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The Hunter 280 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 2012 Hanse 385 measures 11.40m (37.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.88m, compared to the Hunter 280 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.82m beam. The 2012 Hanse 385 is 2.87m longer than the Hunter 280. The 2012 Hanse 385 displaces approximately 182% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2012 Hanse 385 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.09 and 67.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 280, with an SA/D of 18.35 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 280 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2012 Hanse 385 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Hunter 280 has a comfort ratio of 16.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 30.1% for the 2012 Hanse 385 and 38.6% for the Hunter 280, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2012 Hanse 385 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 170L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The Hunter 280 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2012 Hanse 385 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 Hunter 280 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 Hanse 385 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: 2012 Hanse 385 · Hunter 280