1971 Ranger 26 vs Hunter 260 — Comparison
1971 Ranger 26
Hunter 260
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1971 Ranger 26 | Hunter 260 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Ranger | Hunter |
| Year | 1971–1976 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gary Mull | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 7.85 m (25.8 ft) |
| LWL | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.62 m (8.6 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) | 771 kg (1,700 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 29.5 m² (318 ft²) | 27.5 m² (296 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1971 Ranger 26 and Hunter 260 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1971 Ranger 26 is a 1970s design by Ranger from USA, while the Hunter 260 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1971 Ranger 26 was penned by Gary Mull. The Hunter 260 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1971 Ranger 26 measures 7.92m (26.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.62m, compared to the Hunter 260 at 7.85m (25.8ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1971 Ranger 26 is 0.07m longer than the Hunter 260. The 1971 Ranger 26 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1971 Ranger 26 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.85 and 29.5 m² of sail area. The Hunter 260, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 27.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1971 Ranger 26 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1971 Ranger 26 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The Hunter 260 has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.87. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1971 Ranger 26 and 37.8% for the Hunter 260, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1971 Ranger 26 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 45L of water capacity and 30L of fuel. The Hunter 260 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1971 Ranger 26 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1971 Ranger 26 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
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Or view individual specs: 1971 Ranger 26 · Hunter 260