Cape Cod Cat vs Thistle
How do the Cape Cod Cat and Thistle compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cape Cod Cat 
Thistle | Cape Cod Cat | Thistle | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Waterline length | 16.4 ft5.00 m | 17.0 ft5.18 m |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.47 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 2,200 lb998 kg | 515 lb234 kg |
| Ballast | 500 lb227 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 250 ft²23.2 m² | 191 ft²17.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 23.65 | 47.56 |
| Displacement / Length | 222 | 47 |
| Comfort ratio | 13.0 | 4.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.44 | 2.99 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 5.5 |
Cape Cod Cat vs Thistle: the short version
- The Cape Cod Cat and Thistle are close in length (17.0 ft5.18 m vs 17.0 ft5.18 m ).
- The Cape Cod Cat is heavier, displacing about 327% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Thistle carries the more powerful rig (47.6 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 2.99).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.