Cal 21 vs SB20
How do the Cal 21 and SB20 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 | SB20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.5 ft6.25 m | 20.3 ft6.20 m |
| Waterline length | 16.7 ft5.08 m | —— |
| Beam | 6.7 ft2.03 m | 6.9 ft2.10 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 4.9 ft1.50 m |
| Displacement | 1,100 lb499 kg | 1,510 lb685 kg |
| Ballast | 360 lb163 kg | 721 lb327 kg |
| Sail area | 196 ft²18.2 m² | 294 ft²27.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 29.43 | 35.74 |
| Displacement / Length | 106 | — |
| Comfort ratio | 7.6 | — |
| Capsize screening | 2.58 | 2.40 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.5 | — |
Cal 21 vs SB20: the short version
- The Cal 21 and SB20 are close in length (20.5 ft6.25 m vs 20.3 ft6.20 m ).
- The SB20 is heavier, displacing about 37% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the SB20 carries the more powerful rig (35.7 vs 29.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the SB20 rates better for offshore work (2.40 vs 2.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.