Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 36
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hunter 36 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 36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 35.9 ft10.95 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 29.5 ft8.99 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 11.1 ft3.38 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 4.9 ft1.50 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 13,500 lb6,123 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 6,000 lb2,722 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 604 ft²56.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 17.05 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 235 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 27.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.86 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 7.3 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 36: the short version
- The Hunter 36 is the larger boat at 35.9 ft10.95 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Hunter 36 is heavier, displacing about 744% 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 17.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 36 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 36 rates better for offshore work (1.86 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.