Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 43 Legend
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hunter 43 Legend 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 43 Legend | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 42.5 ft12.95 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 38.0 ft11.58 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 14.0 ft4.27 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 4.9 ft1.50 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 23,800 lb10,795 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 7,600 lb3,447 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 845 ft²78.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 16.34 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 194 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 27.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.95 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 8.3 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 43 Legend: the short version
- The Hunter 43 Legend is the larger boat at 42.5 ft12.95 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Hunter 43 Legend is heavier, displacing about 1388% 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 16.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 43 Legend scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 43 Legend rates better for offshore work (1.95 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.