The Hunter 376 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Hunter 376

• Keel & Rudder Configuration: Internally-mounted spade-type rudder, fixed wing keel or optional deep draft fin keel.
• Hull Material: Fiberglass.
• Length Overall: 11.35 meters (37'3")*.
• Waterline Length: 9.75 meters (32'0")*.
• Beam: 3.83 meters (12'7")*.
• Draft: 1.52 meters (5'0") with standard wing keel, 1.98 meters (6'6") with optional deep draft fin keel*.
• Rig Type: Fractional sloop B&R rig.
• Displacement: 6,804 kilograms (15,000 pounds)*.
• Ballast: 2,449 kilograms (5,400 pounds)*.
• Sail Area: 63.52m² (683.71ft²)*.
• Water Tank Capacity: 280 litres (75 gallons).
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 130 litres (35 gallons).
• Hull Speed: 7.58 knots.
• Designer: Hunter Design Team.
• Builder: Hunter Marine (USA).
• Year First Built: 1996.
• Year Last Built: 1998.

* Used to derive the design ratios referred to later in this article - here's how they're calculated...

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Mainsail Area: Approximately 32.52m² (350ft²).
Jib Area: Approximately 31.0m² (334ft²).

The total sail area combines to about 63.52m² (684ft²).

• I (Foretriangle Height): 12.92 meters (42'4")
• J (Foretriangle Base): 12.9 meters (42'4")
• P (Mainsail Foot): 49 meters (160'1")
• E (Mainsail Head): 15.3 meters (50.4")

Published Design Ratios
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): 18.06
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D): 36%
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): 204.36
• Comfort Ratio: 23.69
• Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): 2.04
• Length to Beam Ratio (L/B): 2.96

The design ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical sailing characteristics of the Hunter 376 sailboat. Here's a breakdown:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of 18.06: This ratio suggests that the Hunter 376 has a relatively good balance between sail power and hull weight, which means it should perform well in a variety of wind conditions. A higher SA/D ratio would indicate a more performance-oriented sailboat, while the Hunter 376 strikes a balance suitable for both cruising and moderate performance.

• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of 36%: This ratio indicates a decent amount of ballast relative to the overall weight of the boat. A higher B/D ratio would typically mean better stability and stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to its sails better in stronger winds. The Hunter 376's B/D ratio suggests it has good stability for a cruiser, making it safer and more comfortable.

• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of 204.36: A D/L ratio around this range points to a moderate displacement boat, which balances speed and comfort. The Hunter 376 should offer a smooth ride in various sea conditions, providing comfort while still being responsive and reasonably quick.

• Comfort Ratio of 23.69: This ratio helps determine the motion comfort of the vessel. A higher comfort ratio indicates a smoother and more comfortable ride, particularly in rough seas. The Hunter 376's comfort ratio suggests that it offers a pleasant cruising experience without excessive rolling and pitching.

• Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 2.04: The CSF is used to assess a boat's tendency to capsize. A CSF less than 2.00 is generally considered safe for offshore cruising. The Hunter 376's value of 2.04 is marginally higher but still indicative of a vessel that can handle a variety of conditions with reasonable safety. It’s more suitable for coastal and near-shore sailing, rather than extreme blue-water voyages.

• Length to Beam Ratio (L/B) of 2.96: This ratio gives an idea of the boat's overall hull shape. A lower L/B ratio indicates a wider and more stable boat, while a higher ratio indicates a longer and narrower hull. The Hunter 376's L/B ratio suggests a beamier design, contributing to stability and interior space, making it more comfortable for living aboard and cruising.

Overall, the Hunter 376 sailboat is designed to be a versatile cruiser with good performance, comfort, and stability. It's well-suited for a variety of sailing conditions and is particularly attractive for sailors looking for a balance between speed and cruising comfort.

But the Design Ratios Don't Tell the Whole Story...

Although the design ratios can be interpreted to provide an indication of such a vessel's likely sailing characteristics they do however, have their limitations:

• The design ratios are static measurements which don't account for dynamic factors like wave action, wind gusts, or crew actions.

• They simplify complex interactions into single numbers, which can be misleading. Real-world performance is influenced by a multitude of factors that these ratios can't fully capture.

• The context in which the boat is intended to be used (e.g., coastal cruising vs. offshore racing) can greatly affect how these ratios should be interpreted.

Consequently, while these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance characteristics of a sailboat, they should be used as part of a broader assessment that includes practical experience, sea trials, and expert advice.

Hunter 376 Sailboat Review | Cruising World

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