Javelin dinghy vs Marsh Hen
How do the Javelin dinghy and Marsh Hen compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Javelin dinghy 
Marsh Hen | Javelin dinghy | Marsh Hen | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.6 ft5.38 m | 17.3 ft5.28 m |
| Waterline length | 13.2 ft4.01 m | 16.3 ft4.95 m |
| Beam | 5.6 ft1.70 m | 6.3 ft1.91 m |
| Draft | 3.8 ft1.17 m | 3.3 ft0.99 m |
| Displacement | 475 lb215 kg | 650 lb295 kg |
| Ballast | 49 lb22 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 125 ft²11.6 m² | 155 ft²14.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 32.85 | 33.05 |
| Displacement / Length | 93 | 68 |
| Comfort ratio | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.86 | 2.89 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.9 | 5.4 |
Javelin dinghy vs Marsh Hen: the short version
- The Javelin dinghy and Marsh Hen are close in length (17.6 ft5.38 m vs 17.3 ft5.28 m ).
- The Marsh Hen is heavier, displacing about 37% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Marsh Hen carries the more powerful rig (33.1 vs 32.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Marsh Hen scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Javelin dinghy rates better for offshore work (2.86 vs 2.89).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.