Hurley 18

Description

The Hurley 18 is a classic small pocket cruising sailboat built by Hurley Marine Ltd. in Plymouth, UK, from 1963 to 1972 (with moulds later sold and production continuing sporadically under successors like Russell Curnow until around 1979, and possibly others; total built estimated at 377 by Hurley Marine, with over 900 overall including later builds per owner association notes). It was designed by Ian L. Anderson (British naval architect, who also designed the Hurley 20 and 22, focusing on seaworthy, stiff designs with good windward ability); special features include its fin keel with spade rudder (or long keel influences in some descriptions, sharing design traits with larger Hurley sisters), solid fiberglass (GRP) construction built to Lloyd's specifications, masthead sloop rig for simplicity and performance, narrow beam and high ballast ratio (~39–43%) for exceptional stiffness and self-righting, compact 3-berth interior (realistic for size with basic layout), low freeboard for traditional lines, and a legendary reputation as a tough, seaworthy "proper little ship"—capable of offshore passages (including documented Atlantic crossings by adventurous owners), with stiff, comfortable motion, excellent upwind ability, and surprising heavy-weather prowess despite its diminutive size, making it ideal for coastal, singlehanded, or bold pocket bluewater adventures.