Cal 3-27 vs Hunter 26.5
How do the Cal 3-27 and Hunter 26.5 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cal 3-27 
Hunter 26.5 | Cal 3-27 | Hunter 26.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.7 ft8.13 m | 26.6 ft8.10 m |
| Waterline length | 23.3 ft7.09 m | 22.4 ft6.83 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 9.0 ft2.74 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 3.5 ft1.07 m |
| Displacement | 5,200 lb2,359 kg | 4,400 lb1,996 kg |
| Ballast | 2,000 lb907 kg | 1,800 lb816 kg |
| Sail area | 336 ft²31.2 m² | 304 ft²28.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.91 | 18.11 |
| Displacement / Length | 185 | 174 |
| Comfort ratio | 17.7 | 15.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.08 | 2.20 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 6.3 |
Cal 3-27 vs Hunter 26.5: the short version
- The Cal 3-27 and Hunter 26.5 are close in length (26.7 ft8.13 m vs 26.6 ft8.10 m ).
- The Cal 3-27 is heavier, displacing about 18% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 26.5 carries the more powerful rig (18.1 vs 17.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 3-27 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 3-27 rates better for offshore work (2.08 vs 2.20).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.