Cal 20 vs Cal 35
How do the Cal 20 and Cal 35 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 35 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 35.1 ft10.69 m |
| Waterline length | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 28.8 ft8.76 m |
| Beam | 7.0 ft2.13 m | 11.0 ft3.35 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft1.01 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 1,950 lb885 kg | 13,000 lb5,897 kg |
| Ballast | 900 lb408 kg | 5,200 lb2,359 kg |
| Sail area | 195 ft²18.1 m² | 602 ft²55.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 19.99 | 17.42 |
| Displacement / Length | 149 | 244 |
| Comfort ratio | 12.1 | 26.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.24 | 1.87 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 7.2 |
Cal 20 vs Cal 35: the short version
- The Cal 35 is the larger boat at 35.1 ft10.69 m LOA versus 20.0 ft6.10 m for the Cal 20.
- The Cal 35 is heavier, displacing about 567% 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 17.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 35 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 35 rates better for offshore work (1.87 vs 2.24).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.