Fireball vs K3
How do the Fireball and K3 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Fireball 
K3 | Fireball | K3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.2 ft4.93 m | 16.1 ft4.91 m |
| Waterline length | 13.3 ft4.04 m | —— |
| Beam | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 7.3 ft2.21 m |
| Draft | 4.0 ft1.22 m | —— |
| Displacement | 170 lb77 kg | 304 lb138 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 124 ft²11.5 m² | 160 ft²14.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 64.65 | 56.62 |
| Displacement / Length | 33 | — |
| Comfort ratio | 2.4 | — |
| Capsize screening | 3.31 | 4.31 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.9 | — |
Fireball vs K3: the short version
- The Fireball and K3 are close in length (16.2 ft4.93 m vs 16.1 ft4.91 m ).
- The K3 is heavier, displacing about 79% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Fireball carries the more powerful rig (64.7 vs 56.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Fireball rates better for offshore work (3.31 vs 4.31).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.