MARSH HEN
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 17.33 ft |
| LWL | 16.25 ft |
| Beam | 6.25 ft |
| Draft | 3.25 ft/ 0.5 ft min |
| Displacement | 650 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.4 kn |
About the MARSH HEN
The Marsh Hen is a lightweight, unstayed cat-ketch designed by Reuben Trane and built by Florida Bay Boat Co. in the USA from 1981–1987. With a displacement of 650.0 lb and a LOA of 17.33 ft, it represents a niche in the micro-cruiser market, though the exact number of hulls built is unknown.
- Best for:
- This boat suits single-handers or couples seeking a portable, trailerable coastal cruiser that can be easily launched from small ramps. Its light weight and simple rig make it ideal for those prioritizing ease of handling and storage over heavy offshore performance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 650.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.89, the Marsh Hen is not suited for serious bluewater passage-making but is capable of protected coastal cruising and short offshore trips in favorable conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other Reuben Trane designs like the Marsh Hawk and the larger Marsh Hen's sibling, the Marsh Hen II, as well as other 17-foot trailerable cruisers like the O'Day 17. They are comparable due to their similar size, trailerability, and focus on simple, low-maintenance sailing.
Direct variant of the MARSH HEN
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the MARSH HEN yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 17.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the MARSH HENyet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a MARSH HEN? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your MARSH HEN?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the MARSH HEN
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…