Cal 3-24 vs Contest 25 OC
How do the Cal 3-24 and Contest 25 OC compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cal 3-24 | Cal 3-24 | Contest 25 OC | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.7 ft7.52 m | 24.6 ft7.50 m |
| Waterline length | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 20.5 ft6.25 m |
| Beam | 8.0 ft2.44 m | 9.0 ft2.75 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 4.9 ft1.50 m |
| Displacement | 3,300 lb1,497 kg | 3,788 lb1,718 kg |
| Ballast | 1,175 lb533 kg | 1,510 lb685 kg |
| Sail area | 261 ft²24.2 m² | 306 ft²28.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.84 | 20.15 |
| Displacement / Length | 184 | 196 |
| Comfort ratio | 14.9 | 14.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.15 | 2.31 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 6.1 |
Cal 3-24 vs Contest 25 OC: the short version
- The Cal 3-24 and Contest 25 OC are close in length (24.7 ft7.52 m vs 24.6 ft7.50 m ).
- The Contest 25 OC is heavier, displacing about 15% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Contest 25 OC carries the more powerful rig (20.1 vs 18.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 3-24 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 3-24 rates better for offshore work (2.15 vs 2.31).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.