Watkins 17 vs Watkins 27
How do the Watkins 17 and Watkins 27 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 27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 27.0 ft8.23 m |
| Waterline length | 15.8 ft4.82 m | 23.7 ft7.21 m |
| Beam | 6.4 ft1.96 m | 10.0 ft3.05 m |
| Draft | 3.5 ft1.07 m | 3.7 ft1.12 m |
| Displacement | 580 lb263 kg | 7,500 lb3,402 kg |
| Ballast | 90 lb41 kg | 3,500 lb1,588 kg |
| Sail area | 145 ft²13.5 m² | 353 ft²32.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 33.36 | 14.74 |
| Displacement / Length | 65 | 252 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.7 | 21.9 |
| Capsize screening | 3.08 | 2.04 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 6.5 |
Watkins 17 vs Watkins 27: the short version
- The Watkins 27 is the larger boat at 27.0 ft8.23 m LOA versus 17.0 ft5.18 m for the Watkins 17.
- The Watkins 27 is heavier, displacing about 1193% 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 27 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Watkins 27 rates better for offshore work (2.04 vs 3.08).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.