Dawson 26 vs Hunter 27-2
How do the Dawson 26 and Hunter 27-2 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Dawson 26 
Hunter 27-2 | Dawson 26 | Hunter 27-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.6 ft7.80 m | 25.6 ft7.80 m |
| Waterline length | 22.2 ft6.76 m | 22.4 ft6.83 m |
| Beam | 8.0 ft2.44 m | 9.0 ft2.74 m |
| Draft | 5.3 ft1.62 m | 3.5 ft1.07 m |
| Displacement | 4,700 lb2,132 kg | 5,000 lb2,268 kg |
| Ballast | 1,165 lb528 kg | 2,000 lb907 kg |
| Sail area | 270 ft²25.1 m² | 307 ft²28.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.40 | 16.80 |
| Displacement / Length | 193 | 198 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.6 | 17.7 |
| Capsize screening | 1.91 | 2.11 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.3 |
Dawson 26 vs Hunter 27-2: the short version
- The Dawson 26 and Hunter 27-2 are close in length (25.6 ft7.80 m vs 25.6 ft7.80 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 27-2 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 2.11).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.