Cape Cod Mercury 15 vs Shields
How do the Cape Cod Mercury 15 and Shields 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 | Shields | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 15.0 ft4.57 m | 30.2 ft9.21 m |
| Waterline length | 13.8 ft4.22 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Beam | 5.4 ft1.65 m | 6.4 ft1.96 m |
| Draft | 2.4 ft0.74 m | 4.8 ft1.45 m |
| Displacement | 730 lb331 kg | 4,600 lb2,087 kg |
| Ballast | 200 lb91 kg | 3,080 lb1,397 kg |
| Sail area | 119 ft²11.1 m² | 363 ft²33.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 23.48 | 21.00 |
| Displacement / Length | 123 | 257 |
| Comfort ratio | 8.4 | 25.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.41 | 1.54 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.0 | 6.0 |
Cape Cod Mercury 15 vs Shields: the short version
- The Shields is the larger boat at 30.2 ft9.21 m LOA versus 15.0 ft4.57 m for the Cape Cod Mercury 15.
- The Shields is heavier, displacing about 530% 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 21.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Shields scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Shields rates better for offshore work (1.54 vs 2.41).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.