Built during a brief three-year production run from 1985 to 1987, this compact cruiser represents Hunter Marine's entry into the smaller sailboat market during the mid-1980s boom. At just over 26 feet overall with a 22-foot waterline, the Hunter 265 maximizes interior space through its generous 9-foot beam while maintaining reasonable trailering dimensions. The fractional sloop rig and wing keel configuration make this boat particularly well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. With 304 square feet of sail area driving 4,400 pounds of displacement, the design offers a good balance of performance and stability for newer sailors or those seeking manageable boat handling. The wing keel provides shallow water access with its 3.5-foot draft while contributing to directional stability. Hunter's focus on practical cruising amenities shows throughout this model, though the relatively low comfort ratio of 15.39 suggests this boat favors sailing performance over heavy-weather cruising comfort. The capsize screening formula of 2.2 indicates reasonable stability for protected waters and moderate coastal conditions. With a theoretical hull speed of 6.34 knots, the 265 offers respectable performance for day sailing and short coastal hops, making it an attractive option for sailors seeking an affordable entry into cruising.
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What is the Hunter 265's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Hunter 265 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 18.17. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Hunter 265's comfort ratio?
The Hunter 265 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 15.39. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Hunter 265 safe for offshore sailing?
The Hunter 265 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 265?
The theoretical hull speed of the Hunter 265 is 6.34 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Hunter 265 weigh?
The Hunter 265 has a displacement of 4,400.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 26.58 ft.
How much does a used Hunter 265 cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used Hunter 265 sailboats typically sell for between $9,500 and $9,500, with a median asking price of $9,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Hunter 265?
The Hunter 265 was designed by Hunter Design Team, first built in 1985.