HUNTER 18.5
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 18.42 ft |
| LWL | 15.5 ft |
| Beam | 7.08 ft |
| Draft | 2 ft |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb |
| Ballast | 520 lb |
| Material | 18’ 4”5.59 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 21.42 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 6.46 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 21 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 7.92 ft |
| FLforestay | 6.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 159 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 69.2 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 117.6 sq ft |
Accommodation
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the HUNTER 18.5
The Hunter 18.5 is a compact trailerable sloop designed by the Hunter Design Team and built by Hunter Marine (USA) from 1987–1993. With a displacement of 1600.0 lb and a fractional sloop rig, it serves as an accessible entry-level cruiser, though the exact number of hulls built is unknown.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal day-sailing, trailerable cruising, and novice sailors seeking a manageable, low-maintenance vessel with a shallow 2.0 ft draft.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 1600.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 11.13, this boat is not designed for offshore passage-making and is strictly limited to protected coastal waters.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Hunter 16 and 18, as well as the O'Day 23, sharing similar trailerable dimensions and fractional sloop configurations aimed at casual weekend cruising.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
6 listings · boat years 1980–1992 · median $4,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 18.42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 5 systems for the HUNTER 18.5, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUNTER 18.5? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 10 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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