Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 23.5
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hunter 23.5 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 18.5 | Hunter 18.5 | Hunter 23.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 23.7 ft7.21 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 21.4 ft6.53 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 8.3 ft2.54 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 2,000 lb907 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 1,000 lb454 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 237 ft²22.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 23.89 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 91 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 8.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 2.64 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.2 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 23.5: the short version
- The Hunter 23.5 is the larger boat at 23.7 ft7.21 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Hunter 23.5 is heavier, displacing about 25% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 23.5 carries the more powerful rig (23.9 vs 17.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 18.5 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 18.5 rates better for offshore work (2.42 vs 2.64).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.