Bristol Corsair 24 vs Merit 25
How do the Bristol Corsair 24 and Merit 25 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Bristol Corsair 24 | Bristol Corsair 24 | Merit 25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.6 ft7.49 m | 24.5 ft7.47 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 | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 5,920 lb2,685 kg | 2,900 lb1,315 kg |
| Ballast | 3,000 lb1,361 kg | 1,050 lb476 kg |
| Sail area | 291 ft²27.0 m² | 275 ft²25.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.23 | 21.64 |
| Displacement / Length | 447 | 162 |
| Comfort ratio | 28.6 | 13.2 |
| Capsize screening | 1.77 | 2.24 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 6.0 |
Bristol Corsair 24 vs Merit 25: the short version
- The Bristol Corsair 24 and Merit 25 are close in length (24.6 ft7.49 m vs 24.5 ft7.47 m ).
- The Bristol Corsair 24 is heavier, displacing about 104% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Merit 25 carries the more powerful rig (21.6 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 2.24).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.