Watkins 17 vs Watkins 23
How do the Watkins 17 and Watkins 23 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Watkins 17 | Watkins 17 | Watkins 23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 23.0 ft7.01 m |
| Waterline length | 15.8 ft4.82 m | 19.8 ft6.04 m |
| Beam | 6.4 ft1.96 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 3.5 ft1.07 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 580 lb263 kg | 2,500 lb1,134 kg |
| Ballast | 90 lb41 kg | 900 lb408 kg |
| Sail area | 145 ft²13.5 m² | 200 ft²18.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 33.36 | 17.37 |
| Displacement / Length | 65 | 144 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.7 | 11.7 |
| Capsize screening | 3.08 | 2.36 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.0 |
Watkins 17 vs Watkins 23: the short version
- The Watkins 23 is the larger boat at 23.0 ft7.01 m LOA versus 17.0 ft5.18 m for the Watkins 17.
- The Watkins 23 is heavier, displacing about 331% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Watkins 17 carries the more powerful rig (33.4 vs 17.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Watkins 23 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Watkins 23 rates better for offshore work (2.36 vs 3.08).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.