Cal 27 vs Express 27
How do the Cal 27 and Express 27 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cal 27 | Cal 27 | Express 27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 27.3 ft8.33 m | 27.3 ft8.31 m |
| Waterline length | 22.3 ft6.81 m | 23.8 ft7.24 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 8.2 ft2.49 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 5,400 lb2,449 kg | 2,450 lb1,111 kg |
| Ballast | 2,725 lb1,236 kg | 1,100 lb499 kg |
| Sail area | 349 ft²32.4 m² | 276 ft²25.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.14 | 24.30 |
| Displacement / Length | 217 | 82 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.8 | 9.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.05 | 2.42 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.5 |
Cal 27 vs Express 27: the short version
- The Cal 27 and Express 27 are close in length (27.3 ft8.33 m vs 27.3 ft8.31 m ).
- The Cal 27 is heavier, displacing about 120% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Express 27 carries the more powerful rig (24.3 vs 18.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 27 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 27 rates better for offshore work (2.05 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.