Cape Cod Mercury 15 vs Herreshoff H-26
How do the Cape Cod Mercury 15 and Herreshoff H-26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Cape Cod Mercury 15 | Cape Cod Mercury 15 | Herreshoff H-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 15.0 ft4.57 m | 26.3 ft8.02 m |
| Waterline length | 13.8 ft4.22 m | 22.3 ft6.78 m |
| Beam | 5.4 ft1.65 m | 9.0 ft2.74 m |
| Draft | 2.4 ft0.74 m | 3.9 ft1.19 m |
| Displacement | 730 lb331 kg | 6,500 lb2,948 kg |
| Ballast | 200 lb91 kg | 3,000 lb1,361 kg |
| Sail area | 119 ft²11.1 m² | 360 ft²33.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 23.48 | 16.54 |
| Displacement / Length | 123 | 263 |
| Comfort ratio | 8.4 | 22.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.41 | 1.93 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.0 | 6.3 |
Cape Cod Mercury 15 vs Herreshoff H-26: the short version
- The Herreshoff H-26 is the larger boat at 26.3 ft8.02 m LOA versus 15.0 ft4.57 m for the Cape Cod Mercury 15.
- The Herreshoff H-26 is heavier, displacing about 790% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Cape Cod Mercury 15 carries the more powerful rig (23.5 vs 16.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Herreshoff H-26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Herreshoff H-26 rates better for offshore work (1.93 vs 2.41).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.