Cal 28 vs Stuart Knockabout
How do the Cal 28 and Stuart Knockabout compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cal 28 | Cal 28 | Stuart Knockabout | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.0 ft8.53 m | 28.0 ft8.53 m |
| Waterline length | 22.5 ft6.86 m | 22.8 ft6.96 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 6.9 ft2.11 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 6,000 lb2,722 kg | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Ballast | 2,200 lb998 kg | 2,400 lb1,089 kg |
| Sail area | 352 ft²32.7 m² | 291 ft²27.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.06 | 18.48 |
| Displacement / Length | 235 | 150 |
| Comfort ratio | 20.6 | 19.3 |
| Capsize screening | 1.98 | 1.74 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.4 |
Cal 28 vs Stuart Knockabout: the short version
- The Cal 28 and Stuart Knockabout are close in length (28.0 ft8.53 m vs 28.0 ft8.53 m ).
- The Cal 28 is heavier, displacing about 50% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Stuart Knockabout carries the more powerful rig (18.5 vs 17.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 28 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Stuart Knockabout rates better for offshore work (1.74 vs 1.98).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.