Buzzards Bay 14 vs Marsh Hen
How do the Buzzards Bay 14 and Marsh Hen compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Buzzards Bay 14 | Buzzards Bay 14 | Marsh Hen | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.3 ft5.26 m | 17.3 ft5.28 m |
| Waterline length | 14.0 ft4.27 m | 16.3 ft4.95 m |
| Beam | 5.8 ft1.78 m | 6.3 ft1.91 m |
| Draft | 2.5 ft0.76 m | 3.3 ft0.99 m |
| Displacement | 1,700 lb771 kg | 650 lb295 kg |
| Ballast | 800 lb363 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 138 ft²12.8 m² | 155 ft²14.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.50 | 33.05 |
| Displacement / Length | 277 | 68 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.7 | 5.3 |
| Capsize screening | 1.95 | 2.89 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.0 | 5.4 |
Buzzards Bay 14 vs Marsh Hen: the short version
- The Buzzards Bay 14 and Marsh Hen are close in length (17.3 ft5.26 m vs 17.3 ft5.28 m ).
- The Buzzards Bay 14 is heavier, displacing about 162% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Marsh Hen carries the more powerful rig (33.1 vs 15.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Buzzards Bay 14 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Buzzards Bay 14 rates better for offshore work (1.95 vs 2.89).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.