Cal 20 vs Cal 29
How do the Cal 20 and Cal 29 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 29 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 29.0 ft8.84 m |
| Waterline length | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 9.3 ft2.82 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft1.01 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 1,950 lb885 kg | 8,000 lb3,629 kg |
| Ballast | 900 lb408 kg | 3,350 lb1,520 kg |
| Sail area | 195 ft²18.1 m² | 422 ft²39.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.99 | 16.88 |
| Displacement / Length | 149 | 258 |
| Comfort ratio | 12.1 | 25.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.24 | 1.85 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 6.6 |
Cal 20 vs Cal 29: the short version
- The Cal 29 is the larger boat at 29.0 ft8.84 m LOA versus 20.0 ft6.10 m for the Cal 20.
- The Cal 29 is heavier, displacing about 310% 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 29 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 29 rates better for offshore work (1.85 vs 2.24).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.