Cal 20 vs Cal 28
How do the Cal 20 and Cal 28 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cal 20 | Cal 20 | Cal 28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 28.0 ft8.53 m |
| Waterline length | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 22.5 ft6.86 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 9.0 ft2.74 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft1.01 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 1,950 lb885 kg | 6,000 lb2,722 kg |
| Ballast | 900 lb408 kg | 2,200 lb998 kg |
| Sail area | 195 ft²18.1 m² | 352 ft²32.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.99 | 17.06 |
| Displacement / Length | 149 | 235 |
| Comfort ratio | 12.1 | 20.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.24 | 1.98 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 6.4 |
Cal 20 vs Cal 28: the short version
- The Cal 28 is the larger boat at 28.0 ft8.53 m LOA versus 20.0 ft6.10 m for the Cal 20.
- The Cal 28 is heavier, displacing about 208% 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 17.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 28 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 28 rates better for offshore work (1.98 vs 2.24).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.