Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 27
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hunter 27 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 27 | Hunter 18.5 | Hunter 27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 27.2 ft8.28 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 22.0 ft6.71 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 9.3 ft2.82 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 4.3 ft1.30 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 7,000 lb3,175 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 3,000 lb1,361 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 343 ft²31.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 15.00 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 293 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 23.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.93 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.3 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 27: the short version
- The Hunter 27 is the larger boat at 27.2 ft8.28 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Hunter 27 is heavier, displacing about 338% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 18.5 carries the more powerful rig (17.8 vs 15.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 27 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 27 rates better for offshore work (1.93 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.