2014 Dehler 38 vs Hunter 306 — Comparison
Hunter 306
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2014 Dehler 38 | Hunter 306 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Hunter |
| Year | 2014–2020 | 1999–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) | 9.25 m (30.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.55 m (34.6 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.64 m (11.9 ft) | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,200 kg (15,873 lbs) | 3,990 kg (8,796 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.0 m² (732 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2014 Dehler 38 and Hunter 306 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2014 Dehler 38 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the Hunter 306 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2014 Dehler 38 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The Hunter 306 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 2014 Dehler 38 measures 11.55m (37.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.64m, compared to the Hunter 306 at 9.25m (30.3ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 2014 Dehler 38 is 2.30m longer than the Hunter 306. The 2014 Dehler 38 displaces approximately 80% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2014 Dehler 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.53 and 68.0 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 2014 Dehler 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2014 Dehler 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The Hunter 306 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 31.9% for the 2014 Dehler 38 and 39.8% for the Hunter 306, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2014 Dehler 38 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 160L of water capacity and 80L 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 2014 Dehler 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2014 Dehler 38 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: 2014 Dehler 38 · Hunter 306