Hunter 28.5 vs Maxi 87
How do the Hunter 28.5 and Maxi 87 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 28.5 
Maxi 87 | Hunter 28.5 | Maxi 87 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.4 ft8.66 m | 28.5 ft8.70 m |
| Waterline length | 23.8 ft7.24 m | 24.9 ft7.60 m |
| Beam | 10.5 ft3.20 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 5.2 ft1.58 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 7,000 lb3,175 kg | 8,378 lb3,800 kg |
| Ballast | 3,000 lb1,361 kg | 3,307 lb1,500 kg |
| Sail area | 397 ft²36.9 m² | 452 ft²42.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.36 | 17.53 |
| Displacement / Length | 233 | 241 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.8 | 23.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.20 | 1.94 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 6.7 |
| Average used price | — | €7,900 |
Hunter 28.5 vs Maxi 87: the short version
- The Hunter 28.5 and Maxi 87 are close in length (28.4 ft8.66 m vs 28.5 ft8.70 m ).
- The Maxi 87 is heavier, displacing about 20% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Maxi 87 carries the more powerful rig (17.5 vs 17.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Maxi 87 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Maxi 87 rates better for offshore work (1.94 vs 2.20).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.