Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 54
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hunter 54 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 54 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 54.8 ft16.71 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 43.5 ft13.26 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 11.3 ft3.45 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 20,500 lb9,299 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 8,200 lb3,719 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 907 ft²84.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 19.37 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 111 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 26.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.66 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 8.8 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hunter 54: the short version
- The Hunter 54 is the larger boat at 54.8 ft16.71 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Hunter 54 is heavier, displacing about 1181% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 54 carries the more powerful rig (19.4 vs 17.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 54 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 54 rates better for offshore work (1.66 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.