Hunter 18.5 vs Marlow-Hunter 33
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Marlow-Hunter 33 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| Hunter 18.5 | Marlow-Hunter 33 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 33.5 ft10.21 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 29.4 ft8.97 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 11.5 ft3.51 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 12,400 lb5,625 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 3,459 lb1,569 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 454 ft²42.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 13.56 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 217 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 24.2 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.99 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 7.3 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Marlow-Hunter 33: the short version
- The Marlow-Hunter 33 is the larger boat at 33.5 ft10.21 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Marlow-Hunter 33 is heavier, displacing about 675% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 18.5 carries the more powerful rig (17.8 vs 13.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Marlow-Hunter 33 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Marlow-Hunter 33 rates better for offshore work (1.99 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.