Hunter 170 vs Marlow-Hunter 18
How do the Hunter 170 and Marlow-Hunter 18 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 170 | Hunter 170 | Marlow-Hunter 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.1 ft5.21 m | 18.3 ft5.59 m |
| Waterline length | 12.1 ft3.68 m | 16.5 ft5.03 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 7.2 ft2.19 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 4.3 ft1.32 m |
| Displacement | 478 lb217 kg | 836 lb379 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 134 ft²12.4 m² | 170 ft²15.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 35.07 | 30.65 |
| Displacement / Length | 121 | 83 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.1 | 5.5 |
| Capsize screening | 3.58 | 3.04 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.7 | 5.4 |
Hunter 170 vs Marlow-Hunter 18: the short version
- The Marlow-Hunter 18 is the larger boat at 18.3 ft5.59 m LOA versus 17.1 ft5.21 m for the Hunter 170.
- The Marlow-Hunter 18 is heavier, displacing about 75% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 170 carries the more powerful rig (35.1 vs 30.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Marlow-Hunter 18 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Marlow-Hunter 18 rates better for offshore work (3.04 vs 3.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.