Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 38
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hunter 38 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 38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 38.2 ft11.63 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 34.7 ft10.57 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 12.9 ft3.94 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 18,342 lb8,320 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 6,130 lb2,781 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 702 ft²65.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 16.15 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 196 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 26.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.96 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 7.9 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 38: the short version
- The Hunter 38 is the larger boat at 38.2 ft11.63 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Hunter 38 is heavier, displacing about 1046% 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 16.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 38 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 38 rates better for offshore work (1.96 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.