Helmsman 26 vs Hunter 260
How do the Helmsman 26 and Hunter 260 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Helmsman 26 
Hunter 260 | Helmsman 26 | Hunter 260 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.3 ft8.02 m | 26.3 ft8.00 m |
| Waterline length | 20.7 ft6.30 m | 23.3 ft7.09 m |
| Beam | 9.2 ft2.80 m | 9.0 ft2.73 m |
| Draft | 4.9 ft1.48 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 4,630 lb2,100 kg | 5,000 lb2,268 kg |
| Ballast | 1,764 lb800 kg | 2,000 lb907 kg |
| Sail area | 409 ft²38.0 m² | 299 ft²27.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 23.56 | 16.36 |
| Displacement / Length | 234 | 178 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.7 | 17.2 |
| Capsize screening | 2.21 | 2.10 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.1 | 6.5 |
| Average used price | €7,200 | — |
Helmsman 26 vs Hunter 260: the short version
- The Helmsman 26 and Hunter 260 are close in length (26.3 ft8.02 m vs 26.3 ft8.00 m ).
- The Hunter 260 is heavier, displacing about 8% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Helmsman 26 carries the more powerful rig (23.6 vs 16.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 260 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 260 rates better for offshore work (2.10 vs 2.21).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.