Bombardier 3.8 vs Puffer
How do the Bombardier 3.8 and Puffer compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Bombardier 3.8 | Bombardier 3.8 | Puffer | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 12.5 ft3.80 m | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Waterline length | —— | 11.5 ft3.51 m |
| Beam | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 4.8 ft1.47 m |
| Draft | 2.6 ft0.79 m | 2.8 ft0.86 m |
| Displacement | 110 lb50 kg | 160 lb73 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 59 ft²5.5 m² | 90 ft²8.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 41.12 | 48.86 |
| Displacement / Length | — | 47 |
| Comfort ratio | — | 2.6 |
| Capsize screening | 3.70 | 3.56 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | 4.5 |
Bombardier 3.8 vs Puffer: the short version
- The Bombardier 3.8 and Puffer are close in length (12.5 ft3.80 m vs 12.5 ft3.81 m ).
- The Puffer is heavier, displacing about 45% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Puffer carries the more powerful rig (48.9 vs 41.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Puffer rates better for offshore work (3.56 vs 3.70).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.