Hunter 18.5 vs Marlow-Hunter 18
How do the Hunter 18.5 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 18.5 | Hunter 18.5 | Marlow-Hunter 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 18.3 ft5.59 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 16.5 ft5.03 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 7.2 ft2.19 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 4.3 ft1.32 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 836 lb379 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 170 ft²15.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 30.65 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 83 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 5.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 3.04 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 5.4 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Marlow-Hunter 18: the short version
- The Hunter 18.5 and Marlow-Hunter 18 are close in length (18.4 ft5.61 m vs 18.3 ft5.59 m ).
- The Hunter 18.5 is heavier, displacing about 91% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Marlow-Hunter 18 carries the more powerful rig (30.7 vs 17.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 18.5 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 18.5 rates better for offshore work (2.42 vs 3.04).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.