Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 vs Hunter 356 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
VS
Hunter 356Hunter 356

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Fast 3600Hunter 356
General
ManufacturerJeanneauHunter
Year20162000–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerDaniel AndrieuGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA10.94 m (35.9 ft)10.82 m (35.5 ft)
LWL10.10 m (33.1 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
Beam3.55 m (11.6 ft)3.53 m (11.6 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,100 kg (11,244 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)53.0 m² (571 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
20.92
Hunter 356
17.40
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
37.25
Hunter 356
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
0.83
Hunter 356
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600
13.53
Hunter 356
16.38

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The Hunter 356 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 measures 10.94m (35.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the Hunter 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 is 0.12m longer than the Hunter 356. The Hunter 356 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.92 and 61.0 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The Hunter 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 37.3% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 120L of water capacity and 80L 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hunter 356 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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