Archambault A27 vs Surprise
How do the Archambault A27 and Surprise compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Archambault A27 
Surprise | Archambault A27 | Surprise | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 27.4 ft8.35 m | 25.1 ft7.65 m |
| Waterline length | 23.8 ft7.25 m | 21.6 ft6.60 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft2.98 m | 8.1 ft2.48 m |
| Draft | 5.4 ft1.65 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 4,750 lb2,155 kg | 2,756 lb1,250 kg |
| Ballast | 1,764 lb800 kg | 1,102 lb500 kg |
| Sail area | 446 ft²41.4 m² | 286 ft²26.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 25.25 | 23.28 |
| Displacement / Length | 157 | 121 |
| Comfort ratio | 14.2 | 11.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.33 | 2.32 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 6.2 |
Archambault A27 vs Surprise: the short version
- The Archambault A27 is the larger boat at 27.4 ft8.35 m LOA versus 25.1 ft7.65 m for the Surprise.
- The Archambault A27 is heavier, displacing about 72% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Archambault A27 carries the more powerful rig (25.3 vs 23.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Archambault A27 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Surprise rates better for offshore work (2.32 vs 2.33).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.