Hughes 36 vs Southern Cross 35
How do the Hughes 36 and Southern Cross 35 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hughes 36 | Hughes 36 | Southern Cross 35 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 35.3 ft10.74 m | 35.3 ft10.74 m |
| Waterline length | 27.5 ft8.38 m | 28.0 ft8.53 m |
| Beam | 10.1 ft3.07 m | 11.4 ft3.48 m |
| Draft | 5.5 ft1.68 m | 4.9 ft1.50 m |
| Displacement | 13,000 lb5,897 kg | 17,700 lb8,029 kg |
| Ballast | 4,700 lb2,132 kg | 5,750 lb2,608 kg |
| Sail area | 500 ft²46.5 m² | 627 ft²58.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.47 | 14.77 |
| Displacement / Length | 279 | 360 |
| Comfort ratio | 31.0 | 35.4 |
| Capsize screening | 1.71 | 1.75 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.0 | 7.1 |
Hughes 36 vs Southern Cross 35: the short version
- The Hughes 36 and Southern Cross 35 are close in length (35.3 ft10.74 m vs 35.3 ft10.74 m ).
- The Southern Cross 35 is heavier, displacing about 36% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Southern Cross 35 carries the more powerful rig (14.8 vs 14.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Southern Cross 35 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hughes 36 rates better for offshore work (1.71 vs 1.75).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.