Atlantic City catboat vs Melges 24
How do the Atlantic City catboat and Melges 24 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Atlantic City catboat 
Melges 24 | Atlantic City catboat | Melges 24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.0 ft7.32 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Waterline length | 22.0 ft6.71 m | 22.0 ft6.71 m |
| Beam | 11.0 ft3.35 m | 8.2 ft2.49 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 8,000 lb3,629 kg | 1,784 lb809 kg |
| Ballast | 2,200 lb998 kg | 650 lb295 kg |
| Sail area | 452 ft²42.0 m² | 291 ft²27.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.08 | 31.65 |
| Displacement / Length | 335 | 75 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.4 | 7.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.20 | 2.69 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.3 |
Atlantic City catboat vs Melges 24: the short version
- The Atlantic City catboat and Melges 24 are close in length (24.0 ft7.32 m vs 24.0 ft7.32 m ).
- The Atlantic City catboat is heavier, displacing about 348% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Melges 24 carries the more powerful rig (31.7 vs 18.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Atlantic City catboat scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Atlantic City catboat rates better for offshore work (2.20 vs 2.69).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.