Watkins 23 vs Watkins 29
How do the Watkins 23 and Watkins 29 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Watkins 23 | Watkins 23 | Watkins 29 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 28.9 ft8.81 m |
| Waterline length | 19.8 ft6.04 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Beam | 8.0 ft2.44 m | 10.3 ft3.15 m |
| Draft | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 2,500 lb1,134 kg | 8,800 lb3,992 kg |
| Ballast | 900 lb408 kg | 3,900 lb1,769 kg |
| Sail area | 200 ft²18.6 m² | 370 ft²34.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.37 | 13.89 |
| Displacement / Length | 144 | 284 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.7 | 23.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.36 | 2.00 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 6.6 |
Watkins 23 vs Watkins 29: the short version
- The Watkins 29 is the larger boat at 28.9 ft8.81 m LOA versus 23.0 ft7.01 m for the Watkins 23.
- The Watkins 29 is heavier, displacing about 252% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Watkins 23 carries the more powerful rig (17.4 vs 13.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Watkins 29 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Watkins 29 rates better for offshore work (2.00 vs 2.36).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.