Marlow-Hunter 18 vs Naiad 18
How do the Marlow-Hunter 18 and Naiad 18 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Marlow-Hunter 18 
Naiad 18 | Marlow-Hunter 18 | Naiad 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.3 ft5.59 m | 18.3 ft5.56 m |
| Waterline length | 16.5 ft5.03 m | 17.5 ft5.33 m |
| Beam | 7.2 ft2.19 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.32 m | 3.7 ft1.12 m |
| Displacement | 836 lb379 kg | 1,100 lb499 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 550 lb249 kg |
| Sail area | 170 ft²15.8 m² | 144 ft²13.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 30.65 | 21.62 |
| Displacement / Length | 83 | 92 |
| Comfort ratio | 5.5 | 8.8 |
| Capsize screening | 3.04 | 2.32 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 5.6 |
Marlow-Hunter 18 vs Naiad 18: the short version
- The Marlow-Hunter 18 and Naiad 18 are close in length (18.3 ft5.59 m vs 18.3 ft5.56 m ).
- The Naiad 18 is heavier, displacing about 32% 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 21.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Naiad 18 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Naiad 18 rates better for offshore work (2.32 vs 3.04).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.