Cal 27 vs Orion 27-2
How do the Cal 27 and Orion 27-2 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 | Orion 27-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 27.3 ft8.33 m | 27.3 ft8.33 m |
| Waterline length | 22.3 ft6.81 m | 22.2 ft6.77 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 9.2 ft2.81 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 5,400 lb2,449 kg | 10,000 lb4,536 kg |
| Ballast | 2,725 lb1,236 kg | 3,300 lb1,497 kg |
| Sail area | 349 ft²32.4 m² | 443 ft²41.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.14 | 15.27 |
| Displacement / Length | 217 | 407 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.8 | 33.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.05 | 1.71 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.3 |
Cal 27 vs Orion 27-2: the short version
- The Cal 27 and Orion 27-2 are close in length (27.3 ft8.33 m vs 27.3 ft8.33 m ).
- The Orion 27-2 is heavier, displacing about 85% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Cal 27 carries the more powerful rig (18.1 vs 15.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Orion 27-2 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Orion 27-2 rates better for offshore work (1.71 vs 2.05).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.