Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 45 DS
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hunter 45 DS 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 45 DS | Hunter 18.5 | Hunter 45 DS | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 44.8 ft13.66 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 39.2 ft11.94 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 14.5 ft4.42 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 22,937 lb10,404 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 7,238 lb3,283 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 833 ft²77.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 16.51 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 170 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 24.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 2.04 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 8.4 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 45 DS: the short version
- The Hunter 45 DS is the larger boat at 44.8 ft13.66 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Hunter 45 DS is heavier, displacing about 1334% 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 16.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 45 DS scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 45 DS rates better for offshore work (2.04 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.