Ballad 30 vs Bristol 29.9
How do the Ballad 30 and Bristol 29.9 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Ballad 30 
Bristol 29.9 | Ballad 30 | Bristol 29.9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 29.9 ft9.12 m | 29.9 ft9.12 m |
| Waterline length | 22.6 ft6.88 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Beam | 9.7 ft2.95 m | 10.2 ft3.10 m |
| Draft | 5.1 ft1.55 m | 4.3 ft1.32 m |
| Displacement | 7,276 lb3,300 kg | 8,650 lb3,924 kg |
| Ballast | 3,417 lb1,550 kg | 3,600 lb1,633 kg |
| Sail area | 370 ft²34.4 m² | 391 ft²36.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.77 | 14.85 |
| Displacement / Length | 282 | 279 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.1 | 23.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.00 | 1.98 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.6 |
Ballad 30 vs Bristol 29.9: the short version
- The Ballad 30 and Bristol 29.9 are close in length (29.9 ft9.12 m vs 29.9 ft9.12 m ).
- The Bristol 29.9 is heavier, displacing about 19% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Ballad 30 carries the more powerful rig (15.8 vs 14.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Bristol 29.9 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Bristol 29.9 rates better for offshore work (1.98 vs 2.00).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.