Built from 1999 by Hunter Marine, this compact 17-footer represents an excellent entry point into sailing for newcomers and casual sailors. The Hunter 170's centerboard dinghy configuration makes it ideal for protected waters, lakes, and coastal day sailing where shallow draft capability opens up launching options at various ramps and beaches. With its fractional sloop rig carrying 150 square feet of sail area, the boat offers spirited performance while remaining manageable for single-handed sailing or small crews. The ACP foam and plastic sandwich construction provides durability with reasonable weight, contributing to the boat's 478-pound displacement that makes trailering practical with most vehicles. The 7-foot beam provides surprising stability and cockpit space for a boat this size, while the retractable centerboard allows beaching and shallow water exploration. Hunter's design team created a boat that balances ease of handling with genuine sailing performance, making it suitable for sailing instruction, family recreation, and weekend adventures. This model fits perfectly into Hunter's reputation for producing accessible, well-built boats that don't intimidate beginning sailors. The 170's low comfort ratio reflects its day sailing mission rather than any cruising pretensions, while its robust construction has earned it a loyal following among sailing schools and recreational sailors seeking affordable, reliable performance on protected waters.
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What is the Hunter 170's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Hunter 170 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 39.31. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Hunter 170's comfort ratio?
The Hunter 170 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 4.07. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Hunter 170 safe for offshore sailing?
The Hunter 170 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.58. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Hunter 170?
The theoretical hull speed of the Hunter 170 is 4.66 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Hunter 170 weigh?
The Hunter 170 has a displacement of 478.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 17.08 ft.
How much does a used Hunter 170 cost?
Based on 6 recent market listings, used Hunter 170 sailboats typically sell for between $2,500 and $3,500, with a median asking price of $2,825. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Hunter 170?
The Hunter 170 was designed by Hunter Design Team, first built in 1999.