Cape Cod Mercury 15 vs Vanguard 15
How do the Cape Cod Mercury 15 and Vanguard 15 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 
Vanguard 15 | Cape Cod Mercury 15 | Vanguard 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 15.0 ft4.57 m | 15.3 ft4.65 m |
| Waterline length | 13.8 ft4.22 m | 15.0 ft4.57 m |
| Beam | 5.4 ft1.65 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Draft | 2.4 ft0.74 m | 3.4 ft1.04 m |
| Displacement | 730 lb331 kg | 200 lb91 kg |
| Ballast | 200 lb91 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 119 ft²11.1 m² | 125 ft²11.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 23.48 | 58.48 |
| Displacement / Length | 123 | 26 |
| Comfort ratio | 8.4 | 2.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.41 | 3.76 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.0 | 5.2 |
Cape Cod Mercury 15 vs Vanguard 15: the short version
- The Cape Cod Mercury 15 and Vanguard 15 are close in length (15.0 ft4.57 m vs 15.3 ft4.65 m ).
- The Cape Cod Mercury 15 is heavier, displacing about 265% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Vanguard 15 carries the more powerful rig (58.5 vs 23.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cape Cod Mercury 15 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cape Cod Mercury 15 rates better for offshore work (2.41 vs 3.76).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.