Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 39
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hunter 39 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 39 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 39.4 ft12.02 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 | 18,077 lb8,200 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 5,603 lb2,541 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 738 ft²68.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 17.14 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 194 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 25.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.97 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 7.9 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 39: the short version
- The Hunter 39 is the larger boat at 39.4 ft12.02 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Hunter 39 is heavier, displacing about 1030% 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 17.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 39 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 39 rates better for offshore work (1.97 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.