Cal 2-27 vs Cal 20
How do the Cal 2-27 and Cal 20 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cal 2-27 
Cal 20 | Cal 2-27 | Cal 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.6 ft8.10 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Waterline length | 22.1 ft6.73 m | 18.0 ft5.49 m |
| Beam | 9.3 ft2.82 m | 7.0 ft2.13 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 3.3 ft1.01 m |
| Displacement | 6,700 lb3,039 kg | 1,950 lb885 kg |
| Ballast | 3,100 lb1,406 kg | 900 lb408 kg |
| Sail area | 375 ft²34.8 m² | 195 ft²18.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.88 | 19.99 |
| Displacement / Length | 278 | 149 |
| Comfort ratio | 22.8 | 12.1 |
| Capsize screening | 1.96 | 2.24 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 5.7 |
Cal 2-27 vs Cal 20: the short version
- The Cal 2-27 is the larger boat at 26.6 ft8.10 m LOA versus 20.0 ft6.10 m for the Cal 20.
- The Cal 2-27 is heavier, displacing about 244% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Cal 20 carries the more powerful rig (20.0 vs 16.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 2-27 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 2-27 rates better for offshore work (1.96 vs 2.24).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.