Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 426
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hunter 426 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 426 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 41.8 ft12.75 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 39.2 ft11.94 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 14.2 ft4.32 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 23,600 lb10,705 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 7,237 lb3,283 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 962 ft²89.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 18.71 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 175 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 26.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.98 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 8.4 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 426: the short version
- The Hunter 426 is the larger boat at 41.8 ft12.75 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Hunter 426 is heavier, displacing about 1375% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 426 carries the more powerful rig (18.7 vs 17.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 426 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 426 rates better for offshore work (1.98 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.