Dufour 24 vs Hunter 240
How do the Dufour 24 and Hunter 240 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| Dufour 24 | Hunter 240 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.1 ft7.35 m | 24.1 ft7.34 m |
| Waterline length | 19.6 ft5.97 m | 22.1 ft6.73 m |
| Beam | 8.2 ft2.50 m | 8.3 ft2.51 m |
| Draft | 3.8 ft1.16 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 3,000 lb1,361 kg | 3,600 lb1,633 kg |
| Ballast | 1,170 lb531 kg | 1,300 lb590 kg |
| Sail area | 215 ft²20.0 m² | 236 ft²21.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.54 | 16.08 |
| Displacement / Length | 178 | 149 |
| Comfort ratio | 13.4 | 14.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.27 | 2.15 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.9 | 6.3 |
Dufour 24 vs Hunter 240: the short version
- The Dufour 24 and Hunter 240 are close in length (24.1 ft7.35 m vs 24.1 ft7.34 m ).
- The Hunter 240 is heavier, displacing about 20% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Dufour 24 carries the more powerful rig (16.5 vs 16.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 240 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 240 rates better for offshore work (2.15 vs 2.27).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.