49er vs Comet
How do the 49er and Comet compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
49er 
Comet | 49er | Comet | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.0 ft4.88 m | 16.0 ft4.88 m |
| Waterline length | —— | 15.0 ft4.57 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.45 m | 1.8 ft0.53 m |
| Displacement | 207 lb94 kg | 260 lb118 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | —— | 135 ft²12.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | — | 53.02 |
| Displacement / Length | — | 34 |
| Comfort ratio | — | 2.7 |
| Capsize screening | 6.09 | 3.45 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | 5.2 |
49er vs Comet: the short version
- The 49er and Comet are close in length (16.0 ft4.88 m vs 16.0 ft4.88 m ).
- The Comet is heavier, displacing about 26% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- By the capsize screening formula the Comet rates better for offshore work (3.45 vs 6.09).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.