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185data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HUNTER 18.5 buyer’s report

HUNTER 18.5

Hunter Marine🇺🇸· Design: Hunter Design Team
$4,267 avg$2,900 – $7,500 (6 listings)1987–1993
$500 – $1.2K est. annual maintenance
DaysailermonoFractional SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA18.42 ft
LWL15.5 ft
Beam7.08 ft
Draft2 ft
Displacement1,600 lb
Ballast520 lb
Material18’ 4”5.59 m
Hull speed1.34·√LWL5.3 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height21.42 ft
Jforetriangle base6.46 ft
Pmainsail luff21 ft
Emainsail foot7.92 ft
FLforestay6.5 ft
Mainsail159 sq ft
Jib (100%)69.2 sq ft
Spinnaker117.6 sq ft

Accommodation

CE categoryN/A€

About the HUNTER 18.5

Sailpages Buyer's Take

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

Comfort11.1
Capsize2.42
SA/Disp20.6
Disp/Len192
Bal/Disp32.5

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 6 listings
Low
$2,369
Estimated Value
$2,797
High
$3,690
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

6 listings · boat years 19801992 · median $4,000

$0$5k$10kmedian $4,0001980198519901990 Hunter Hunter 18.5 · $7,500 · Missouri, US1988 Hunter 18.5 · $3,000 · Tennessee, US1990 Hunter 18.5 · $4,000 · Washington, US1990 hunter 18.5 · $5,000 · Washington, US1992 Hunter 18.5 · $2,900 · Florida, US1980 Hunter 18.5 · $3,200 · Georgia, USAsking price (USD)Boat model year

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.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$500 – $1.2K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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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.

3 critical2 major5 minor
Rigging4Keel2Hull2Structural1Rudder1

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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Used sails that fit the HUNTER 18.5

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