Watkins 17 vs Watkins 36C
How do the Watkins 17 and Watkins 36C 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 36C | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.0 ft5.18 m | 36.0 ft10.97 m |
| Waterline length | 15.8 ft4.82 m | 29.3 ft8.94 m |
| Beam | 6.4 ft1.96 m | 10.5 ft3.20 m |
| Draft | 3.5 ft1.07 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 580 lb263 kg | 17,000 lb7,711 kg |
| Ballast | 90 lb41 kg | 6,000 lb2,722 kg |
| Sail area | 145 ft²13.5 m² | 529 ft²49.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 33.36 | 12.80 |
| Displacement / Length | 65 | 301 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.7 | 36.6 |
| Capsize screening | 3.08 | 1.63 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 7.3 |
Watkins 17 vs Watkins 36C: the short version
- The Watkins 36C is the larger boat at 36.0 ft10.97 m LOA versus 17.0 ft5.18 m for the Watkins 17.
- The Watkins 36C is heavier, displacing about 2831% 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 12.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Watkins 36C scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Watkins 36C rates better for offshore work (1.63 vs 3.08).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.