Ballad 30 vs Shipman 28
How do the Ballad 30 and Shipman 28 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Ballad 30 
Shipman 28 | Ballad 30 | Shipman 28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 29.9 ft9.12 m | 29.1 ft8.86 m |
| Waterline length | 22.6 ft6.88 m | 21.0 ft6.40 m |
| Beam | 9.7 ft2.95 m | 8.5 ft2.60 m |
| Draft | 5.1 ft1.55 m | 5.1 ft1.55 m |
| Displacement | 7,276 lb3,300 kg | 6,173 lb2,800 kg |
| Ballast | 3,417 lb1,550 kg | 2,667 lb1,210 kg |
| Sail area | 370 ft²34.4 m² | 307 ft²28.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.77 | 14.60 |
| Displacement / Length | 282 | 298 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.1 | 23.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.00 | 1.86 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.1 |
| Average used price | — | €5,100 |
Ballad 30 vs Shipman 28: the short version
- The Ballad 30 is the larger boat at 29.9 ft9.12 m LOA versus 29.1 ft8.86 m for the Shipman 28.
- The Ballad 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 14.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Shipman 28 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Shipman 28 rates better for offshore work (1.86 vs 2.00).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.