Dufour 470 vs Hunter 380 — Comparison

Dufour 470Dufour 470
VS
Hunter 380Hunter 380

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 470Hunter 380
General
ManufacturerDufourHunter
Year20182001–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerFelci Yacht DesignGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA14.23 m (46.7 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL12.80 m (42.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
Beam4.39 m (14.4 ft)3.76 m (12.3 ft)
Draft2.25 m (7.4 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,200 kg (24,692 lbs)7,257 kg (15,999 lbs)
Ballast3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area94.0 m² (1,012 ft²)64.0 m² (689 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine57 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity220 L (58.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity440 L (116.2 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins42

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 470
19.07
Hunter 380
17.35
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 470
31.25
Hunter 380
37.51
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 470
0.79
Hunter 380
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 470
13.70
Hunter 380
17.27

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 470 and Hunter 380 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 470 is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the Hunter 380 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The Dufour 470 was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The Hunter 380 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the Dufour 470 measures 14.23m (46.7ft) overall with a beam of 4.39m, compared to the Hunter 380 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Dufour 470 is 2.65m longer than the Hunter 380. The Dufour 470 displaces approximately 54% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 470 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.07 and 94.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 380, with an SA/D of 17.35 and 64.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 470 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 470 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Hunter 380 has a comfort ratio of 17.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 31.3% for the Dufour 470 and 37.5% for the Hunter 380, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 470 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 440L of water capacity and 220L of fuel. The Hunter 380 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 380 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 Dufour 470 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Dufour 470 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: Dufour 470 · Hunter 380