Marlow-Hunter 50 vs Orion 50
How do the Marlow-Hunter 50 and Orion 50 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Marlow-Hunter 50 | Marlow-Hunter 50 | Orion 50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 49.9 ft15.22 m | 49.5 ft15.09 m |
| Waterline length | 43.8 ft13.36 m | 42.5 ft12.95 m |
| Beam | 14.8 ft4.50 m | 14.5 ft4.42 m |
| Draft | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 6.5 ft1.98 m |
| Displacement | 29,406 lb13,338 kg | 36,599 lb16,601 kg |
| Ballast | 9,093 lb4,125 kg | 14,000 lb6,350 kg |
| Sail area | 1,277 ft²118.6 m² | 1,119 ft²104.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 21.45 | 16.24 |
| Displacement / Length | 156 | 213 |
| Comfort ratio | 27.6 | 36.0 |
| Capsize screening | 1.91 | 1.75 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 8.9 | 8.7 |
Marlow-Hunter 50 vs Orion 50: the short version
- The Marlow-Hunter 50 and Orion 50 are close in length (49.9 ft15.22 m vs 49.5 ft15.09 m ).
- The Orion 50 is heavier, displacing about 24% 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 16.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Orion 50 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Orion 50 rates better for offshore work (1.75 vs 1.91).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.