Com-Pac Sun Cat vs Marsh Hen
How do the Com-Pac Sun Cat and Marsh Hen compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Com-Pac Sun Cat | Com-Pac Sun Cat | Marsh Hen | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.3 ft5.28 m | 17.3 ft5.28 m |
| Waterline length | 15.0 ft4.57 m | 16.3 ft4.95 m |
| Beam | 7.3 ft2.21 m | 6.3 ft1.91 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 3.3 ft0.99 m |
| Displacement | 1,500 lb680 kg | 650 lb295 kg |
| Ballast | 200 lb91 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 150 ft²13.9 m² | 155 ft²14.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.32 | 33.05 |
| Displacement / Length | 198 | 68 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.5 | 5.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.53 | 2.89 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.2 | 5.4 |
Com-Pac Sun Cat vs Marsh Hen: the short version
- The Com-Pac Sun Cat and Marsh Hen are close in length (17.3 ft5.28 m vs 17.3 ft5.28 m ).
- The Com-Pac Sun Cat is heavier, displacing about 131% 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 18.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Com-Pac Sun Cat scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Com-Pac Sun Cat rates better for offshore work (2.53 vs 2.89).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.