Ranger 28 vs Stuart Knockabout
How do the Ranger 28 and Stuart Knockabout compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Ranger 28 Ranger Yachts (a division of Bangor Punta) · 1976 Stuart Knockabout Edey & Duff/Ballentines's Boat Shop · 1932 | Ranger 28 | Stuart Knockabout | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.0 ft8.53 m | 28.0 ft8.53 m |
| Waterline length | 21.7 ft6.61 m | 22.8 ft6.96 m |
| Beam | 9.6 ft2.92 m | 6.9 ft2.11 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 5,081 lb2,305 kg | 4,000 lb1,814 kg |
| Ballast | 2,792 lb1,266 kg | 2,400 lb1,089 kg |
| Sail area | 389 ft²36.1 m² | 291 ft²27.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 21.06 | 18.48 |
| Displacement / Length | 223 | 150 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.4 | 19.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.23 | 1.74 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.2 | 6.4 |
Ranger 28 vs Stuart Knockabout: the short version
- The Ranger 28 and Stuart Knockabout are close in length (28.0 ft8.53 m vs 28.0 ft8.53 m ).
- The Ranger 28 is heavier, displacing about 27% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Ranger 28 carries the more powerful rig (21.1 vs 18.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Stuart Knockabout scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Stuart Knockabout rates better for offshore work (1.74 vs 2.23).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.