Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 280
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hunter 280 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 280 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 27.8 ft8.46 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 23.6 ft7.19 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 9.6 ft2.94 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 6,500 lb2,948 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 2,100 lb953 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 338 ft²31.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 15.53 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 221 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 19.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.5 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 280: the short version
- The Hunter 280 is the larger boat at 27.8 ft8.46 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Hunter 280 is heavier, displacing about 306% 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 15.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 280 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 280 rates better for offshore work (2.06 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.