Marlin 23 vs O'Day 23
How do the Marlin 23 and O'Day 23 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Marlin 23 
O'Day 23 | Marlin 23 | O'Day 23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 23.0 ft7.01 m |
| Waterline length | 16.9 ft5.16 m | 19.5 ft5.94 m |
| Beam | 7.2 ft2.19 m | 7.9 ft2.41 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft0.99 m | 5.3 ft1.62 m |
| Displacement | 3,000 lb1,361 kg | 3,425 lb1,554 kg |
| Ballast | 1,400 lb635 kg | 1,200 lb544 kg |
| Sail area | 259 ft²24.1 m² | 245 ft²22.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.92 | 17.25 |
| Displacement / Length | 276 | 206 |
| Comfort ratio | 17.9 | 16.4 |
| Capsize screening | 1.99 | 2.10 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.5 | 5.9 |
Marlin 23 vs O'Day 23: the short version
- The Marlin 23 and O'Day 23 are close in length (23.0 ft7.01 m vs 23.0 ft7.01 m ).
- The O'Day 23 is heavier, displacing about 14% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Marlin 23 carries the more powerful rig (19.9 vs 17.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Marlin 23 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Marlin 23 rates better for offshore work (1.99 vs 2.10).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.