Ballad 30 vs Seafarer 30
How do the Ballad 30 and Seafarer 30 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Ballad 30 
Seafarer 30 | Ballad 30 | Seafarer 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 29.9 ft9.12 m | 29.9 ft9.13 m |
| Waterline length | 22.6 ft6.88 m | 25.6 ft7.80 m |
| Beam | 9.7 ft2.95 m | 10.0 ft3.05 m |
| Draft | 5.1 ft1.55 m | 4.8 ft1.45 m |
| Displacement | 7,276 lb3,300 kg | 8,600 lb3,901 kg |
| Ballast | 3,417 lb1,550 kg | 3,450 lb1,565 kg |
| Sail area | 370 ft²34.4 m² | 389 ft²36.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.77 | 14.83 |
| Displacement / Length | 282 | 229 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.1 | 23.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.00 | 1.95 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.8 |
Ballad 30 vs Seafarer 30: the short version
- The Ballad 30 and Seafarer 30 are close in length (29.9 ft9.12 m vs 29.9 ft9.13 m ).
- The Seafarer 30 is heavier, displacing about 18% 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 Seafarer 30 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Seafarer 30 rates better for offshore work (1.95 vs 2.00).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.