Alpha 29 vs Dragon
How do the Alpha 29 and Dragon compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Alpha 29 
Dragon | Alpha 29 | Dragon | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 29.4 ft8.95 m | 29.2 ft8.90 m |
| Waterline length | 23.6 ft7.20 m | 18.6 ft5.66 m |
| Beam | 9.3 ft2.84 m | 6.2 ft1.90 m |
| Draft | 5.4 ft1.65 m | 3.9 ft1.20 m |
| Displacement | 7,275 lb3,300 kg | 3,748 lb1,700 kg |
| Ballast | 3,042 lb1,380 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 408 ft²37.9 m² | 298 ft²27.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.39 | 19.76 |
| Displacement / Length | 246 | 261 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.7 | 23.3 |
| Capsize screening | 1.92 | 1.60 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 5.8 |
Alpha 29 vs Dragon: the short version
- The Alpha 29 and Dragon are close in length (29.4 ft8.95 m vs 29.2 ft8.90 m ).
- The Alpha 29 is heavier, displacing about 94% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Dragon carries the more powerful rig (19.8 vs 17.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Dragon scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Dragon rates better for offshore work (1.60 vs 1.92).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.