Ohlson 8.8 vs Watkins 29
How do the Ohlson 8.8 and Watkins 29 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Ohlson 8.8 | Ohlson 8.8 | Watkins 29 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.9 ft8.80 m | 28.9 ft8.81 m |
| Waterline length | 23.9 ft7.30 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Beam | 9.3 ft2.85 m | 10.3 ft3.15 m |
| Draft | 5.6 ft1.72 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 7,937 lb3,600 kg | 8,800 lb3,992 kg |
| Ballast | 2,646 lb1,200 kg | 3,900 lb1,769 kg |
| Sail area | 355 ft²33.0 m² | 370 ft²34.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 14.28 | 13.89 |
| Displacement / Length | 258 | 284 |
| Comfort ratio | 24.6 | 23.8 |
| Capsize screening | 1.87 | 2.00 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.6 |
| Average used price | €7,900 | — |
Ohlson 8.8 vs Watkins 29: the short version
- The Ohlson 8.8 and Watkins 29 are close in length (28.9 ft8.80 m vs 28.9 ft8.81 m ).
- The Watkins 29 is heavier, displacing about 11% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Ohlson 8.8 carries the more powerful rig (14.3 vs 13.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Ohlson 8.8 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Ohlson 8.8 rates better for offshore work (1.87 vs 2.00).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.