Hunter 170 vs Hunter 26.5
How do the Hunter 170 and Hunter 26.5 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 170 
Hunter 26.5 | Hunter 170 | Hunter 26.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.1 ft5.21 m | 26.6 ft8.10 m |
| Waterline length | 12.1 ft3.68 m | 22.4 ft6.83 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 9.0 ft2.74 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 3.5 ft1.07 m |
| Displacement | 478 lb217 kg | 4,400 lb1,996 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 1,800 lb816 kg |
| Sail area | 134 ft²12.4 m² | 304 ft²28.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 35.07 | 18.11 |
| Displacement / Length | 121 | 174 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.1 | 15.4 |
| Capsize screening | 3.58 | 2.20 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.7 | 6.3 |
Hunter 170 vs Hunter 26.5: the short version
- The Hunter 26.5 is the larger boat at 26.6 ft8.10 m LOA versus 17.1 ft5.21 m for the Hunter 170.
- The Hunter 26.5 is heavier, displacing about 821% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 170 carries the more powerful rig (35.1 vs 18.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 26.5 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 26.5 rates better for offshore work (2.20 vs 3.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.