Hunter 170 vs Hunter 45 DS
How do the Hunter 170 and Hunter 45 DS compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 170 
Hunter 45 DS | Hunter 170 | Hunter 45 DS | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.1 ft5.21 m | 44.8 ft13.66 m |
| Waterline length | 12.1 ft3.68 m | 39.2 ft11.94 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 14.5 ft4.42 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 478 lb217 kg | 22,937 lb10,404 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 7,238 lb3,283 kg |
| Sail area | 134 ft²12.4 m² | 833 ft²77.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 35.07 | 16.51 |
| Displacement / Length | 121 | 170 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.1 | 24.6 |
| Capsize screening | 3.58 | 2.04 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.7 | 8.4 |
Hunter 170 vs Hunter 45 DS: the short version
- The Hunter 45 DS is the larger boat at 44.8 ft13.66 m LOA versus 17.1 ft5.21 m for the Hunter 170.
- The Hunter 45 DS is heavier, displacing about 4699% 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 45 DS scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 45 DS rates better for offshore work (2.04 vs 3.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.