Albin 79 vs Alpha 29
How do the Albin 79 and Alpha 29 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Albin 79 | Albin 79 | Alpha 29 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.9 ft7.90 m | 29.4 ft8.95 m |
| Waterline length | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 23.6 ft7.20 m |
| Beam | 8.8 ft2.67 m | 9.3 ft2.84 m |
| Draft | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 5.4 ft1.65 m |
| Displacement | 4,200 lb1,905 kg | 7,275 lb3,300 kg |
| Ballast | 1,653 lb750 kg | 3,042 lb1,380 kg |
| Sail area | 259 ft²24.1 m² | 408 ft²37.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.92 | 17.39 |
| Displacement / Length | 234 | 246 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.6 | 22.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.17 | 1.92 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 6.5 |
Albin 79 vs Alpha 29: the short version
- The Alpha 29 is the larger boat at 29.4 ft8.95 m LOA versus 25.9 ft7.90 m for the Albin 79.
- The Alpha 29 is heavier, displacing about 73% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Alpha 29 carries the more powerful rig (17.4 vs 15.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Alpha 29 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Alpha 29 rates better for offshore work (1.92 vs 2.17).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.