Cal 21 vs Cal 24
How do the Cal 21 and Cal 24 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cal 21 | Cal 21 | Cal 24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.5 ft6.25 m | 24.4 ft7.43 m |
| Waterline length | 16.7 ft5.08 m | 20.1 ft6.11 m |
| Beam | 6.7 ft2.03 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 1,100 lb499 kg | 3,000 lb1,361 kg |
| Ballast | 360 lb163 kg | 1,000 lb454 kg |
| Sail area | 196 ft²18.2 m² | 261 ft²24.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 29.43 | 20.08 |
| Displacement / Length | 106 | 166 |
| Comfort ratio | 7.6 | 13.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.58 | 2.22 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.5 | 6.0 |
Cal 21 vs Cal 24: the short version
- The Cal 24 is the larger boat at 24.4 ft7.43 m LOA versus 20.5 ft6.25 m for the Cal 21.
- The Cal 24 is heavier, displacing about 173% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Cal 21 carries the more powerful rig (29.4 vs 20.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 24 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 24 rates better for offshore work (2.22 vs 2.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.