Designers Choice vs Howmar 12
How do the Designers Choice and Howmar 12 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Designers Choice | Designers Choice | Howmar 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 14.9 ft4.53 m | 12.2 ft3.71 m |
| Waterline length | 12.8 ft3.89 m | 10.4 ft3.18 m |
| Beam | 6.1 ft1.85 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Draft | 3.0 ft0.91 m | 2.5 ft0.76 m |
| Displacement | 315 lb143 kg | 175 lb79 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 120 ft²11.1 m² | 90 ft²8.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 41.47 | 46.03 |
| Displacement / Length | 68 | 69 |
| Comfort ratio | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| Capsize screening | 3.57 | 3.58 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.8 | 4.3 |
Designers Choice vs Howmar 12: the short version
- The Designers Choice is the larger boat at 14.9 ft4.53 m LOA versus 12.2 ft3.71 m for the Howmar 12.
- The Designers Choice is heavier, displacing about 80% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Howmar 12 carries the more powerful rig (46.0 vs 41.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Designers Choice scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Designers Choice rates better for offshore work (3.57 vs 3.58).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.