Dolphin 24 vs O'Day 272
How do the Dolphin 24 and O'Day 272 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Dolphin 24 
O'Day 272 | Dolphin 24 | O'Day 272 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.2 ft7.36 m | 26.9 ft8.21 m |
| Waterline length | 19.0 ft5.79 m | 22.9 ft6.99 m |
| Beam | 7.7 ft2.34 m | 9.0 ft2.74 m |
| Draft | 5.2 ft1.58 m | 2.9 ft0.89 m |
| Displacement | 4,250 lb1,928 kg | 5,375 lb2,438 kg |
| Ballast | 1,650 lb748 kg | 1,930 lb875 kg |
| Sail area | 295 ft²27.4 m² | 299 ft²27.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.99 | 15.59 |
| Displacement / Length | 277 | 199 |
| Comfort ratio | 21.2 | 18.4 |
| Capsize screening | 1.89 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.8 | 6.4 |
Dolphin 24 vs O'Day 272: the short version
- The O'Day 272 is the larger boat at 26.9 ft8.21 m LOA versus 24.2 ft7.36 m for the Dolphin 24.
- The O'Day 272 is heavier, displacing about 26% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Dolphin 24 carries the more powerful rig (18.0 vs 15.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Dolphin 24 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Dolphin 24 rates better for offshore work (1.89 vs 2.06).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.