Bristol Corsair 24 vs Cal 3-24
How do the Bristol Corsair 24 and Cal 3-24 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Bristol Corsair 24 Sailstar Boat Company · 1964 Cal 3-24 Jensen Marine/Cal Yachts/Bangor Punta Corp. · 1983 | Bristol Corsair 24 | Cal 3-24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.6 ft7.49 m | 24.7 ft7.52 m |
| Waterline length | 18.1 ft5.51 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Beam | 8.0 ft2.44 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 3.4 ft1.04 m | 4.3 ft1.30 m |
| Displacement | 5,920 lb2,685 kg | 3,300 lb1,497 kg |
| Ballast | 3,000 lb1,361 kg | 1,175 lb533 kg |
| Sail area | 291 ft²27.0 m² | 261 ft²24.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.23 | 18.84 |
| Displacement / Length | 447 | 184 |
| Comfort ratio | 28.6 | 14.9 |
| Capsize screening | 1.77 | 2.15 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 6.0 |
Bristol Corsair 24 vs Cal 3-24: the short version
- The Bristol Corsair 24 and Cal 3-24 are close in length (24.6 ft7.49 m vs 24.7 ft7.52 m ).
- The Bristol Corsair 24 is heavier, displacing about 79% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Cal 3-24 carries the more powerful rig (18.8 vs 14.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Bristol Corsair 24 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Bristol Corsair 24 rates better for offshore work (1.77 vs 2.15).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.