2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large vs Hunter 280 — Comparison
Hunter 280
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large | Hunter 280 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Hunter |
| Year | 2018–2022 | 1998–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.55 m (31.3 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,900 kg (13,007 lbs) | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and Hunter 280 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the Hunter 280 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The Hunter 280 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the Hunter 280 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.82m beam. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large is 1.77m longer than the Hunter 280. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large displaces approximately 128% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.58 and 56.5 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 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Hunter 280 has a comfort ratio of 16.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 28.8% for the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and 38.6% for the Hunter 280, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The Hunter 280 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large 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 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large 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: 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large · Hunter 280