Hunter 260 vs Sonata 8
How do the Hunter 260 and Sonata 8 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 260 
Sonata 8 | Hunter 260 | Sonata 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.3 ft8.00 m | 26.3 ft8.00 m |
| Waterline length | 23.3 ft7.09 m | 19.8 ft6.02 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.73 m | 8.2 ft2.50 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 5.1 ft1.55 m |
| Displacement | 5,000 lb2,268 kg | 2,822 lb1,280 kg |
| Ballast | 2,000 lb907 kg | 500 lb227 kg |
| Sail area | 299 ft²27.8 m² | 277 ft²25.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.36 | 22.19 |
| Displacement / Length | 178 | 164 |
| Comfort ratio | 17.2 | 12.2 |
| Capsize screening | 2.10 | 2.32 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 6.0 |
Hunter 260 vs Sonata 8: the short version
- The Hunter 260 and Sonata 8 are close in length (26.3 ft8.00 m vs 26.3 ft8.00 m ).
- The Hunter 260 is heavier, displacing about 77% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Sonata 8 carries the more powerful rig (22.2 vs 16.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 260 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 260 rates better for offshore work (2.10 vs 2.32).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.