Hunter 170 vs Hunter 28.5
How do the Hunter 170 and Hunter 28.5 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 170 
Hunter 28.5 | Hunter 170 | Hunter 28.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.1 ft5.21 m | 28.4 ft8.66 m |
| Waterline length | 12.1 ft3.68 m | 23.8 ft7.24 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 10.5 ft3.20 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 5.2 ft1.58 m |
| Displacement | 478 lb217 kg | 7,000 lb3,175 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 3,000 lb1,361 kg |
| Sail area | 134 ft²12.4 m² | 397 ft²36.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 35.07 | 17.36 |
| Displacement / Length | 121 | 233 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.1 | 18.8 |
| Capsize screening | 3.58 | 2.20 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.7 | 6.5 |
Hunter 170 vs Hunter 28.5: the short version
- The Hunter 28.5 is the larger boat at 28.4 ft8.66 m LOA versus 17.1 ft5.21 m for the Hunter 170.
- The Hunter 28.5 is heavier, displacing about 1364% 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 17.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 28.5 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 28.5 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.