Companion 21 vs Independence 20
How do the Companion 21 and Independence 20 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
| Companion 21 | Independence 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.5 ft6.25 m | 20.5 ft6.25 m |
| Waterline length | 16.5 ft5.03 m | 17.8 ft5.41 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 2.8 ft0.84 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 3,100 lb1,406 kg | 2,080 lb943 kg |
| Ballast | 1,000 lb454 kg | 900 lb408 kg |
| Sail area | 218 ft²20.3 m² | 230 ft²21.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.41 | 22.58 |
| Displacement / Length | 308 | 166 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.9 | 10.8 |
| Capsize screening | 1.94 | 2.51 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 5.6 |
Companion 21 vs Independence 20: the short version
- The Companion 21 and Independence 20 are close in length (20.5 ft6.25 m vs 20.5 ft6.25 m ).
- The Companion 21 is heavier, displacing about 49% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Independence 20 carries the more powerful rig (22.6 vs 16.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Companion 21 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Companion 21 rates better for offshore work (1.94 vs 2.51).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.