American 14.6 vs Dolphin 15 Senior
How do the American 14.6 and Dolphin 15 Senior compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
American 14.6 
Dolphin 15 Senior | American 14.6 | Dolphin 15 Senior | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 14.5 ft4.42 m | 14.5 ft4.42 m |
| Waterline length | 13.0 ft3.96 m | 13.5 ft4.11 m |
| Beam | 6.2 ft1.88 m | 5.1 ft1.55 m |
| Draft | 3.5 ft1.07 m | 1.5 ft0.47 m |
| Displacement | 340 lb154 kg | 170 lb77 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 112 ft²10.4 m² | 85 ft²7.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 36.79 | 44.32 |
| Displacement / Length | 69 | 31 |
| Comfort ratio | 3.5 | 2.2 |
| Capsize screening | 3.54 | 3.67 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.8 | 4.9 |
American 14.6 vs Dolphin 15 Senior: the short version
- The American 14.6 and Dolphin 15 Senior are close in length (14.5 ft4.42 m vs 14.5 ft4.42 m ).
- The American 14.6 is heavier, displacing about 100% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Dolphin 15 Senior carries the more powerful rig (44.3 vs 36.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The American 14.6 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the American 14.6 rates better for offshore work (3.54 vs 3.67).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.