Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 420
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hunter 420 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 420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 43.4 ft13.23 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 37.8 ft11.53 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 13.8 ft4.22 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 6.4 ft1.96 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 19,500 lb8,845 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 6,700 lb3,039 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 823 ft²76.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 18.18 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 161 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 23.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 8.2 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 420: the short version
- The Hunter 420 is the larger boat at 43.4 ft13.23 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Hunter 420 is heavier, displacing about 1119% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 420 carries the more powerful rig (18.2 vs 17.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 420 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 420 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.