Kite vs Skipjack 15
How do the Kite and Skipjack 15 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Kite | Kite | Skipjack 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 11.6 ft3.53 m | 14.6 ft4.44 m |
| Waterline length | 10.9 ft3.33 m | —— |
| Beam | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Draft | 3.0 ft0.91 m | 3.8 ft1.17 m |
| Displacement | 165 lb75 kg | 340 lb154 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 78 ft²7.2 m² | 125 ft²11.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 41.49 | 41.06 |
| Displacement / Length | 57 | — |
| Comfort ratio | 2.7 | — |
| Capsize screening | 3.65 | 3.01 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 4.4 | — |
Kite vs Skipjack 15: the short version
- The Skipjack 15 is the larger boat at 14.6 ft4.44 m LOA versus 11.6 ft3.53 m for the Kite.
- The Skipjack 15 is heavier, displacing about 106% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Kite carries the more powerful rig (41.5 vs 41.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Skipjack 15 rates better for offshore work (3.01 vs 3.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.