Hampton One-Design vs Mercury 18
How do the Hampton One-Design and Mercury 18 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| Hampton One-Design | Mercury 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 18.0 ft5.49 m |
| Waterline length | 14.0 ft4.27 m | 13.0 ft3.96 m |
| Beam | 5.8 ft1.76 m | 5.3 ft1.62 m |
| Draft | 3.5 ft1.07 m | 3.1 ft0.94 m |
| Displacement | 755 lb342 kg | 1,100 lb499 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 635 lb288 kg |
| Sail area | 175 ft²16.3 m² | 167 ft²15.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 33.77 | 25.08 |
| Displacement / Length | 123 | 224 |
| Comfort ratio | 7.4 | 12.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.54 | 2.07 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.0 | 4.8 |
Hampton One-Design vs Mercury 18: the short version
- The Hampton One-Design and Mercury 18 are close in length (18.0 ft5.49 m vs 18.0 ft5.49 m ).
- The Mercury 18 is heavier, displacing about 46% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hampton One-Design carries the more powerful rig (33.8 vs 25.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Mercury 18 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Mercury 18 rates better for offshore work (2.07 vs 2.54).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.