Hanse 445 vs Hunter 356 — Comparison

Hanse 445
VS
Hunter 356Hunter 356

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHanse 445Hunter 356
General
ManufacturerHanseHunter
Year2012–20172000–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
Designerjudel/vrolijk & coGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA13.50 m (44.3 ft)10.82 m (35.5 ft)
LWL11.80 m (38.7 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
Beam4.20 m (13.8 ft)3.53 m (11.6 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,100 kg (22,267 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area87.0 m² (937 ft²)53.0 m² (571 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity370 L (97.7 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hanse 445
18.91
Hunter 356
17.40
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hanse 445
31.68
Hunter 356
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hanse 445
0.78
Hunter 356
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hanse 445
15.14
Hunter 356
16.38

Detailed Comparison

The Hanse 445 and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 445 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The Hanse 445 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The Hunter 356 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the Hanse 445 measures 13.50m (44.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the Hunter 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The Hanse 445 is 2.68m longer than the Hunter 356. The Hanse 445 displaces approximately 86% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hanse 445 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.91 and 87.0 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 Hanse 445 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hanse 445 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Hunter 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 31.7% for the Hanse 445 and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hanse 445 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 370L of water capacity and 200L 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 Hanse 445 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hanse 445 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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