O'Day 272 vs Widgeon 12
How do the O'Day 272 and Widgeon 12 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
O'Day 272 
Widgeon 12 | O'Day 272 | Widgeon 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.9 ft8.21 m | 12.3 ft3.76 m |
| Waterline length | 22.9 ft6.99 m | 12.0 ft3.66 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Draft | 2.9 ft0.89 m | 3.5 ft1.07 m |
| Displacement | 5,375 lb2,438 kg | 180 lb82 kg |
| Ballast | 1,930 lb875 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 299 ft²27.8 m² | 90 ft²8.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.59 | 45.17 |
| Displacement / Length | 199 | 47 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.4 | 2.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.06 | 3.54 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 4.6 |
O'Day 272 vs Widgeon 12: the short version
- The O'Day 272 is the larger boat at 26.9 ft8.21 m LOA versus 12.3 ft3.76 m for the Widgeon 12.
- The O'Day 272 is heavier, displacing about 2886% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Widgeon 12 carries the more powerful rig (45.2 vs 15.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The O'Day 272 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the O'Day 272 rates better for offshore work (2.06 vs 3.54).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.