Gulfstar 43 vs Hunter 44
How do the Gulfstar 43 and Hunter 44 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Gulfstar 43 
Hunter 44 | Gulfstar 43 | Hunter 44 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 43.3 ft13.21 m | 43.3 ft13.20 m |
| Waterline length | 39.2 ft11.94 m | 39.1 ft11.92 m |
| Beam | 11.9 ft3.63 m | 14.6 ft4.45 m |
| Draft | 3.5 ft1.07 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 21,000 lb9,525 kg | 22,936 lb10,404 kg |
| Ballast | 5,000 lb2,268 kg | 7,237 lb3,283 kg |
| Sail area | 664 ft²61.7 m² | 975 ft²90.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 13.96 | 19.32 |
| Displacement / Length | 156 | 171 |
| Comfort ratio | 29.6 | 24.7 |
| Capsize screening | 1.73 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.4 | 8.4 |
Gulfstar 43 vs Hunter 44: the short version
- The Gulfstar 43 and Hunter 44 are close in length (43.3 ft13.21 m vs 43.3 ft13.20 m ).
- The Hunter 44 is heavier, displacing about 9% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 44 carries the more powerful rig (19.3 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.