HUNTER 54
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 54.83 ft |
| LWL | 43.5 ft |
| Beam | 11.33 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 20,500 lb |
| Ballast | 8,200 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 54.6 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 20 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 48.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.8 ft |
| FLforestay | 20 ft |
| Mainsail | 936 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 546 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 928.2 sq ft |
About the HUNTER 54
Hull by Luhrs & Cherubini, Rig by Steck.
The Hunter 54 is a large cutter-rigged cruising yacht designed by W. Luhrs /J. Cherubini/C. Steck and built by Hunter Marine (USA) from 1980–1983. With a displacement of 20500.0 lb and a beam of 11.33 ft, it represents a significant step up in size and comfort for the brand during the early 1980s.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and couples seeking spacious interior accommodations and easy handling due to its cutter rig and moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio. It appeals to owners who prioritize liveaboard comfort and protected harbors over high-performance racing or extreme bluewater expeditions.
- Bluewater capability:
- While the Hunter 54's displacement of 20500.0 lb and capsize ratio of 1.66 suggest reasonable stability for coastal passages, its fin keel and relatively light ballast ratio indicate it is not ideally suited for heavy-weather bluewater cruising without significant reinforcement.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Tartan 4400 and the O'Day 42, which share similar production eras and emphasize comfortable, stable cruising over speed. The Hunter 54's cutter rig and substantial beam also draw comparisons to the larger Hunter 44 and 48 models, offering a similar layout philosophy in a larger package.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.2 | 6.5 | 7.4 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 8.8 |
| 60° | 5.8 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 8.9 | 9.1 |
| 75° | 6.3 | 7.6 | 8.5 | 8.9 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.7 |
| 90° | 6.3 | 7.7 | 8.5 | 8.9 | 9.3 | 9.6 | 10.3 |
| 110° | 5.9 | 7.4 | 8.5 | 9.1 | 9.6 | 10.1 | 10.7 |
| 120° | 5.8 | 7.2 | 8.3 | 8.9 | 9.4 | 10.0 | 11.1 |
| 135° | 5.1 | 6.5 | 7.7 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 9.4 | 10.7 |
| 150° | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.5 | 7.6 | 8.4 | 8.9 | 9.8 |
| Beat VMG | 3.3 | 4.1 | 4.7 | 5.2 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 5.9 |
| Run VMG | 3.6 | 4.6 | 5.7 | 6.6 | 7.4 | 8.1 | 9.1 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 54.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
31 reported issues across 9 systems for the HUNTER 54, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUNTER 54? 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 31 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your HUNTER 54?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Perkins, Universal — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the HUNTER 54
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…