Hunter 170 vs Hunter 456
How do the Hunter 170 and Hunter 456 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 170 | Hunter 170 | Hunter 456 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.1 ft5.21 m | 46.1 ft14.05 m |
| Waterline length | 12.1 ft3.68 m | 39.7 ft12.09 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 14.0 ft4.27 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 478 lb217 kg | 26,180 lb11,875 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 9,680 lb4,391 kg |
| Sail area | 134 ft²12.4 m² | 1,000 ft²92.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 35.07 | 18.15 |
| Displacement / Length | 121 | 187 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.1 | 28.9 |
| Capsize screening | 3.58 | 1.89 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.7 | 8.4 |
Hunter 170 vs Hunter 456: the short version
- The Hunter 456 is the larger boat at 46.1 ft14.05 m LOA versus 17.1 ft5.21 m for the Hunter 170.
- The Hunter 456 is heavier, displacing about 5377% 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 456 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 456 rates better for offshore work (1.89 vs 3.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.