Mercury 18 vs Windrose 5.5
How do the Mercury 18 and Windrose 5.5 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Mercury 18 | Mercury 18 | Windrose 5.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 18.0 ft5.49 m |
| Waterline length | 13.0 ft3.96 m | 16.0 ft4.88 m |
| Beam | 5.3 ft1.62 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 3.1 ft0.94 m | 2.3 ft0.69 m |
| Displacement | 1,100 lb499 kg | 1,500 lb680 kg |
| Ballast | 635 lb288 kg | 500 lb227 kg |
| Sail area | 167 ft²15.5 m² | 151 ft²14.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 25.08 | 18.44 |
| Displacement / Length | 224 | 163 |
| Comfort ratio | 12.6 | 8.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.07 | 2.80 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.8 | 5.4 |
Mercury 18 vs Windrose 5.5: the short version
- The Mercury 18 and Windrose 5.5 are close in length (18.0 ft5.49 m vs 18.0 ft5.49 m ).
- The Windrose 5.5 is heavier, displacing about 36% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Mercury 18 carries the more powerful rig (25.1 vs 18.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Mercury 18 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Mercury 18 rates better for offshore work (2.07 vs 2.80).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.