Dark Harbor 17 1/2 vs Hunter 26
How do the Dark Harbor 17 1/2 and Hunter 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Dark Harbor 17 1/2 
Hunter 26 | Dark Harbor 17 1/2 | Hunter 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.8 ft7.87 m | 25.8 ft7.85 m |
| Waterline length | 17.5 ft5.33 m | 23.2 ft7.06 m |
| Beam | 6.3 ft1.92 m | 9.0 ft2.74 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 3,420 lb1,551 kg | 4,600 lb2,087 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 2,000 lb907 kg |
| Sail area | 311 ft²28.9 m² | 291 ft²27.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 21.92 | 16.83 |
| Displacement / Length | 285 | 165 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.8 | 15.9 |
| Capsize screening | 1.67 | 2.16 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.6 | 6.4 |
Dark Harbor 17 1/2 vs Hunter 26: the short version
- The Dark Harbor 17 1/2 and Hunter 26 are close in length (25.8 ft7.87 m vs 25.8 ft7.85 m ).
- The Hunter 26 is heavier, displacing about 35% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Dark Harbor 17 1/2 carries the more powerful rig (21.9 vs 16.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Dark Harbor 17 1/2 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Dark Harbor 17 1/2 rates better for offshore work (1.67 vs 2.16).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.