Hunter 18.5 vs Hurley 18
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Hurley 18 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 | Hurley 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 18.5 ft5.63 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 14.1 ft4.30 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 6.5 ft1.99 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 3.3 ft0.99 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 2,337 lb1,060 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 1,001 lb454 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 180 ft²16.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 16.35 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 371 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 19.2 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.97 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Average used price | — | €2,000 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Hurley 18: the short version
- The Hunter 18.5 and Hurley 18 are close in length (18.4 ft5.61 m vs 18.5 ft5.63 m ).
- The Hurley 18 is heavier, displacing about 46% 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 16.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hurley 18 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hurley 18 rates better for offshore work (1.97 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.