Built during Hunter Marine's formative years from 1984 to 1987, this 25-foot masthead sloop represents the builder's early approach to affordable coastal cruising. Designer Cortland Steck created a practical family sailboat that balances interior space with reasonable sailing performance, thanks to its moderate beam of just over nine feet and traditional fin keel configuration. The Hunter 255's fiberglass construction incorporates a transom-hung rudder setup that simplifies maintenance while keeping costs down. With a displacement of 4,500 pounds and 1,800 pounds of ballast, this boat offers reassuring stability for weekend cruising and day sailing. The sail area of 282 square feet provides adequate power for light to moderate conditions, making it well-suited for protected waters, coastal sailing, and learning to cruise. Notable characteristics include Hunter's signature emphasis on interior volume and ease of handling. The comfort ratio of 15.92 suggests a relatively lightweight design that prioritizes performance over heavy-weather capability, while the capsize screening formula of 2.2 indicates this boat is best kept in coastal waters rather than venturing offshore. For sailors seeking an entry-level cruiser with decent accommodations and manageable sailing characteristics, the Hunter 255 delivers practical value in a proven package.
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What is the Hunter 255's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Hunter 255 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.6. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Hunter 255's comfort ratio?
The Hunter 255 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 15.92. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Hunter 255 safe for offshore sailing?
The Hunter 255 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.2. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Hunter 255?
The theoretical hull speed of the Hunter 255 is 6.30 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Hunter 255 weigh?
The Hunter 255 has a displacement of 4,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 25.58 ft.
How much does a used Hunter 255 cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used Hunter 255 sailboats typically sell for between $2,000 and $2,000, with a median asking price of $2,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Hunter 255?
The Hunter 255 was designed by Cortland Steck, first built in 1984.