Hunter 170 vs Hunter 40.5
How do the Hunter 170 and Hunter 40.5 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| Hunter 170 | Hunter 40.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.1 ft5.21 m | 40.2 ft12.24 m |
| Waterline length | 12.1 ft3.68 m | 35.3 ft10.77 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 12.4 ft3.79 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 4.9 ft1.50 m |
| Displacement | 478 lb217 kg | 20,000 lb9,072 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 7,000 lb3,175 kg |
| Sail area | 134 ft²12.4 m² | 760 ft²70.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 35.07 | 16.50 |
| Displacement / Length | 121 | 202 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.1 | 29.3 |
| Capsize screening | 3.58 | 1.83 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.7 | 8.0 |
Hunter 170 vs Hunter 40.5: the short version
- The Hunter 40.5 is the larger boat at 40.2 ft12.24 m LOA versus 17.1 ft5.21 m for the Hunter 170.
- The Hunter 40.5 is heavier, displacing about 4084% 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 16.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 40.5 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 40.5 rates better for offshore work (1.83 vs 3.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.