Dawson 26 vs Hunter 25.5
How do the Dawson 26 and Hunter 25.5 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| Dawson 26 | Hunter 25.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.6 ft7.80 m | 25.6 ft7.80 m |
| Waterline length | 22.2 ft6.76 m | 22.1 ft6.73 m |
| Beam | 8.0 ft2.44 m | 9.1 ft2.77 m |
| Draft | 5.3 ft1.62 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 4,700 lb2,132 kg | 4,500 lb2,041 kg |
| Ballast | 1,165 lb528 kg | 1,800 lb816 kg |
| Sail area | 270 ft²25.1 m² | 287 ft²26.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.40 | 16.85 |
| Displacement / Length | 193 | 187 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.6 | 15.9 |
| Capsize screening | 1.91 | 2.20 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.3 |
Dawson 26 vs Hunter 25.5: the short version
- The Dawson 26 and Hunter 25.5 are close in length (25.6 ft7.80 m vs 25.6 ft7.80 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 25.5 carries the more powerful rig (16.8 vs 15.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Dawson 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Dawson 26 rates better for offshore work (1.91 vs 2.20).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.