MERCURY 18

About the MERCURY 18

One of the first one-design boats specifically designed for plywood construction and built only in wood until 1952. Hulls since then are of fiberglass or wood. Not to be confused with the CAPE COD MERCURY.

The Mercury 18 is a historic 18.0 ft masthead sloop designed by Ernest Nunes and built by Nunes/W. D. Schock/Moore Sailboats, with production records indicating a start year of 1939 and an unknown total hull count. This lightweight vessel, displacing 1100.0 lb with a 635.0 lb ballast ratio, represents a classic era of small boat design where simplicity and low weight were prioritized over heavy offshore construction.

Best for:

This boat is best suited for coastal day sailing and casual weekend cruising rather than extended bluewater passages, appealing to owners who value a low-draft, easy-to-trailer package with a 3.08 ft max draft. Its high SA/D ratio of 30.09 suggests it is responsive and fun in light to moderate winds, making it ideal for single-handers or couples seeking a manageable, low-maintenance coastal cruiser.

Bluewater capability:

With a very low displacement of 1100.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.07, the Mercury 18 is not designed for serious offshore bluewater cruising and is best restricted to protected coastal waters and short passages. Its light weight and fin keel provide agility but lack the motion comfort and structural robustness required for open ocean conditions.

Comparables:

Comparable vessels include other Ernest Nunes designs like the Mercury 15 and early Schock-built daysailers from the same era, as they share similar fin keel configurations and lightweight construction philosophies. It also competes with other 18-foot trailerable sloops from the mid-20th century that prioritize ease of transport and storage over heavy displacement cruising capabilities.