Hunter 170 vs Hunter 40
How do the Hunter 170 and Hunter 40 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| Hunter 170 | Hunter 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.1 ft5.21 m | 39.6 ft12.06 m |
| Waterline length | 12.1 ft3.68 m | 32.5 ft9.91 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 13.4 ft4.09 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 478 lb217 kg | 17,400 lb7,893 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 7,900 lb3,583 kg |
| Sail area | 134 ft²12.4 m² | 787 ft²73.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 35.07 | 18.75 |
| Displacement / Length | 121 | 226 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.1 | 24.5 |
| Capsize screening | 3.58 | 2.07 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.7 | 7.6 |
Hunter 170 vs Hunter 40: the short version
- The Hunter 40 is the larger boat at 39.6 ft12.06 m LOA versus 17.1 ft5.21 m for the Hunter 170.
- The Hunter 40 is heavier, displacing about 3540% 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 18.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 40 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 40 rates better for offshore work (2.07 vs 3.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.