Hunter 18.5 vs Marlow-Hunter 50
How do the Hunter 18.5 and Marlow-Hunter 50 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 50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.4 ft5.61 m | 49.9 ft15.22 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 43.8 ft13.36 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 14.8 ft4.50 m |
| Draft | 2.0 ft0.61 m | 7.0 ft2.13 m |
| Displacement | 1,600 lb726 kg | 29,406 lb13,338 kg |
| Ballast | 520 lb236 kg | 9,093 lb4,125 kg |
| Sail area | 152 ft²14.1 m² | 1,277 ft²118.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.78 | 21.45 |
| Displacement / Length | 192 | 156 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.1 | 27.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.91 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 8.9 |
Hunter 18.5 vs Marlow-Hunter 50: the short version
- The Marlow-Hunter 50 is the larger boat at 49.9 ft15.22 m LOA versus 18.4 ft5.61 m for the Hunter 18.5.
- The Marlow-Hunter 50 is heavier, displacing about 1738% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Marlow-Hunter 50 carries the more powerful rig (21.4 vs 17.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Marlow-Hunter 50 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Marlow-Hunter 50 rates better for offshore work (1.91 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.