Gulfstar 43 vs Hunter 420
How do the Gulfstar 43 and Hunter 420 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Gulfstar 43 
Hunter 420 | Gulfstar 43 | Hunter 420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 43.3 ft13.21 m | 43.4 ft13.23 m |
| Waterline length | 39.2 ft11.94 m | 37.8 ft11.53 m |
| Beam | 11.9 ft3.63 m | 13.8 ft4.22 m |
| Draft | 3.5 ft1.07 m | 6.4 ft1.96 m |
| Displacement | 21,000 lb9,525 kg | 19,500 lb8,845 kg |
| Ballast | 5,000 lb2,268 kg | 6,700 lb3,039 kg |
| Sail area | 664 ft²61.7 m² | 823 ft²76.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 13.96 | 18.18 |
| Displacement / Length | 156 | 161 |
| Comfort ratio | 29.6 | 23.1 |
| Capsize screening | 1.73 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.4 | 8.2 |
Gulfstar 43 vs Hunter 420: the short version
- The Gulfstar 43 and Hunter 420 are close in length (43.3 ft13.21 m vs 43.4 ft13.23 m ).
- The Gulfstar 43 is heavier, displacing about 8% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 420 carries the more powerful rig (18.2 vs 14.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Gulfstar 43 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Gulfstar 43 rates better for offshore work (1.73 vs 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.