Watkins 17 vs Watkins 25
How do the Watkins 17 and Watkins 25 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 25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 24.9 ft7.60 m |
| Waterline length | 15.8 ft4.82 m | 21.0 ft6.40 m |
| Beam | 6.4 ft1.96 m | 8.5 ft2.59 m |
| Draft | 3.5 ft1.07 m | 2.5 ft0.76 m |
| Displacement | 580 lb263 kg | 4,800 lb2,177 kg |
| Ballast | 90 lb41 kg | 1,900 lb862 kg |
| Sail area | 145 ft²13.5 m² | 261 ft²24.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 33.36 | 14.68 |
| Displacement / Length | 65 | 231 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.7 | 19.3 |
| Capsize screening | 3.08 | 2.02 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.1 |
Watkins 17 vs Watkins 25: the short version
- The Watkins 25 is the larger boat at 24.9 ft7.60 m LOA versus 17.0 ft5.18 m for the Watkins 17.
- The Watkins 25 is heavier, displacing about 728% 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 14.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Watkins 25 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Watkins 25 rates better for offshore work (2.02 vs 3.08).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.