Hunter 26 vs Parker Dawson 26
How do the Hunter 26 and Parker Dawson 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 26 
Parker Dawson 26 | Hunter 26 | Parker Dawson 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.8 ft7.85 m | 25.7 ft7.83 m |
| Waterline length | 23.2 ft7.06 m | 22.2 ft6.76 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 5.3 ft1.62 m |
| Displacement | 4,600 lb2,087 kg | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Ballast | 2,000 lb907 kg | 1,100 lb499 kg |
| Sail area | 291 ft²27.0 m² | 270 ft²25.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.83 | 17.14 |
| Displacement / Length | 165 | 164 |
| Comfort ratio | 15.9 | 16.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.16 | 2.02 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.3 |
Hunter 26 vs Parker Dawson 26: the short version
- The Hunter 26 and Parker Dawson 26 are close in length (25.8 ft7.85 m vs 25.7 ft7.83 m ).
- The Hunter 26 is heavier, displacing about 15% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Parker Dawson 26 carries the more powerful rig (17.1 vs 16.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Parker Dawson 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Parker Dawson 26 rates better for offshore work (2.02 vs 2.16).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.