Marsh Hen vs Siren 17
How do the Marsh Hen and Siren 17 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Marsh Hen 
Siren 17 | Marsh Hen | Siren 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.3 ft5.28 m | 17.2 ft5.23 m |
| Waterline length | 16.3 ft4.95 m | 15.0 ft4.57 m |
| Beam | 6.3 ft1.91 m | 6.7 ft2.03 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft0.99 m | 4.3 ft1.30 m |
| Displacement | 650 lb295 kg | 750 lb340 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 130 lb59 kg |
| Sail area | 155 ft²14.4 m² | 139 ft²12.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 33.05 | 26.94 |
| Displacement / Length | 68 | 99 |
| Comfort ratio | 5.3 | 5.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.89 | 2.94 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 5.2 |
Marsh Hen vs Siren 17: the short version
- The Marsh Hen and Siren 17 are close in length (17.3 ft5.28 m vs 17.2 ft5.23 m ).
- The Siren 17 is heavier, displacing about 15% 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 26.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Siren 17 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Marsh Hen rates better for offshore work (2.89 vs 2.94).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.