Hunter HC 50 vs Orion 50
How do the Hunter HC 50 and Orion 50 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter HC 50 | Hunter HC 50 | Orion 50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 50.0 ft15.24 m | 49.5 ft15.09 m |
| Waterline length | 45.0 ft13.72 m | 42.5 ft12.95 m |
| Beam | 15.0 ft4.57 m | 14.5 ft4.42 m |
| Draft | 5.8 ft1.78 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 18,000 lb8,165 kg | 36,599 lb16,601 kg |
| Ballast | 5,600 lb2,540 kg | 14,000 lb6,350 kg |
| Sail area | 1,274 ft²118.4 m² | 1,119 ft²104.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 29.68 | 16.24 |
| Displacement / Length | 88 | 213 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.2 | 36.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.29 | 1.75 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 9.0 | 8.7 |
Hunter HC 50 vs Orion 50: the short version
- The Hunter HC 50 and Orion 50 are close in length (50.0 ft15.24 m vs 49.5 ft15.09 m ).
- The Orion 50 is heavier, displacing about 103% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter HC 50 carries the more powerful rig (29.7 vs 16.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Orion 50 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Orion 50 rates better for offshore work (1.75 vs 2.29).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.