49er vs Fireball
How do the 49er and Fireball compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
49er 
Fireball | 49er | Fireball | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.0 ft4.88 m | 16.2 ft4.93 m |
| Waterline length | —— | 13.3 ft4.04 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 4.6 ft1.40 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.45 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 207 lb94 kg | 170 lb77 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | —— | 124 ft²11.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | — | 64.65 |
| Displacement / Length | — | 33 |
| Comfort ratio | — | 2.4 |
| Capsize screening | 6.09 | 3.31 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | 4.9 |
49er vs Fireball: the short version
- The 49er and Fireball are close in length (16.0 ft4.88 m vs 16.2 ft4.93 m ).
- The 49er is heavier, displacing about 22% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- By the capsize screening formula the Fireball rates better for offshore work (3.31 vs 6.09).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.