Archambault A35 vs Surprise
How do the Archambault A35 and Surprise compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Archambault A35 
Surprise | Archambault A35 | Surprise | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 34.7 ft10.59 m | 25.1 ft7.65 m |
| Waterline length | 30.5 ft9.29 m | 21.6 ft6.60 m |
| Beam | 11.7 ft3.55 m | 8.1 ft2.48 m |
| Draft | 6.9 ft2.10 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 9,811 lb4,450 kg | 2,756 lb1,250 kg |
| Ballast | 4,387 lb1,990 kg | 1,102 lb500 kg |
| Sail area | 727 ft²67.5 m² | 286 ft²26.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 25.38 | 23.28 |
| Displacement / Length | 155 | 121 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.1 | 11.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.18 | 2.32 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.4 | 6.2 |
Archambault A35 vs Surprise: the short version
- The Archambault A35 is the larger boat at 34.7 ft10.59 m LOA versus 25.1 ft7.65 m for the Surprise.
- The Archambault A35 is heavier, displacing about 256% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Archambault A35 carries the more powerful rig (25.4 vs 23.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Archambault A35 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Archambault A35 rates better for offshore work (2.18 vs 2.32).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.