Marlow-Hunter 47 vs Swan 53 Mk II
How do the Marlow-Hunter 47 and Swan 53 Mk II compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Marlow-Hunter 47 
Swan 53 Mk II | Marlow-Hunter 47 | Swan 53 Mk II | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 50.5 ft15.39 m | 50.9 ft15.50 m |
| Waterline length | 44.7 ft13.62 m | 50.9 ft15.50 m |
| Beam | 15.0 ft4.57 m | 15.6 ft4.76 m |
| Draft | 5.5 ft1.68 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Displacement | 36,000 lb16,329 kg | 48,502 lb22,000 kg |
| Ballast | 12,500 lb5,670 kg | 18,078 lb8,200 kg |
| Sail area | —— | 1,426 ft²132.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | — | 17.16 |
| Displacement / Length | 180 | 165 |
| Comfort ratio | 32.5 | 37.9 |
| Capsize screening | 1.82 | 1.71 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 9.0 | 9.6 |
Marlow-Hunter 47 vs Swan 53 Mk II: the short version
- The Marlow-Hunter 47 and Swan 53 Mk II are close in length (50.5 ft15.39 m vs 50.9 ft15.50 m ).
- The Swan 53 Mk II is heavier, displacing about 35% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- The Swan 53 Mk II scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Swan 53 Mk II rates better for offshore work (1.71 vs 1.82).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.