Cape Cod Cat vs Nacra 5.2
How do the Cape Cod Cat and Nacra 5.2 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 | Nacra 5.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Waterline length | 16.4 ft5.00 m | —— |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.47 m | 2.5 ft0.76 m |
| Displacement | 2,200 lb998 kg | 350 lb159 kg |
| Ballast | 500 lb227 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 250 ft²23.2 m² | 220 ft²20.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 23.65 | 70.88 |
| Displacement / Length | 222 | — |
| Comfort ratio | 13.0 | — |
| Capsize screening | 2.44 | 4.54 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | — |
Cape Cod Cat vs Nacra 5.2: the short version
- The Cape Cod Cat and Nacra 5.2 are close in length (17.0 ft5.18 m vs 17.0 ft5.18 m ).
- The Cape Cod Cat is heavier, displacing about 529% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Nacra 5.2 carries the more powerful rig (70.9 vs 23.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cape Cod Cat rates better for offshore work (2.44 vs 4.54).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.