HUNTER 26.5
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 26.58 ft |
| LWL | 22.42 ft |
| Beam | 9 ft |
| Draft | 3.5 ft |
| Deep keel | 4.25 ft |
| Displacement | 4,400 lb |
| Ballast | 1,800 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 29.42 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9.42 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 30.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.83 ft |
| FLforestay | 9.4 ft |
| Mainsail | 316.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 138.6 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 235.6 sq ft |
About the HUNTER 26.5
Photo courtesy Adam Hunt.
The Hunter 26.5 is a fractional sloop designed by the Hunter Design Team and built by Hunter Marine (USA) from 1985–1987. With a displacement of 4400.0 lb and a beam of 9.0 ft, this vessel represents a compact, performance-oriented coastal cruiser from the mid-80s era.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and weekend sailing, particularly for couples or small families who prioritize ease of handling and trailerability over long-range offshore passage making.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.2 and a relatively light displacement of 4400.0 lb, the Hunter 26.5 is not recommended for extended bluewater cruising due to its limited reserve buoyancy and lack of heavy-weather stability margins.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Hunter 26 and the Tartan 27, as they share similar fractional sloop rigs, beamy hull forms, and target the same market of affordable, easy-to-sail day cruisers from the same production era.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
12 listings · boat years 1987–1988 · median $8,500
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 26.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
25 reported issues across 9 systems for the HUNTER 26.5, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUNTER 26.5? 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 25 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 26.5
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