Cape Cod Cat vs Dolphin 17
How do the Cape Cod Cat and Dolphin 17 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cape Cod Cat | Cape Cod Cat | Dolphin 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 16.8 ft5.11 m |
| Waterline length | 16.4 ft5.00 m | 15.0 ft4.57 m |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.47 m | 4.3 ft1.30 m |
| Displacement | 2,200 lb998 kg | 725 lb329 kg |
| Ballast | 500 lb227 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 250 ft²23.2 m² | 127 ft²11.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 23.65 | 25.18 |
| Displacement / Length | 222 | 96 |
| Comfort ratio | 13.0 | 6.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.44 | 2.67 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 5.2 |
Cape Cod Cat vs Dolphin 17: the short version
- The Cape Cod Cat and Dolphin 17 are close in length (17.0 ft5.18 m vs 16.8 ft5.11 m ).
- The Cape Cod Cat is heavier, displacing about 203% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Dolphin 17 carries the more powerful rig (25.2 vs 23.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cape Cod Cat scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cape Cod Cat rates better for offshore work (2.44 vs 2.67).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.