compiling data from Sailboatdata.com

[lk240]

In researching different boats, i found myself going to Sailboatdata.com a lot to learn about different specs and how boats compare. I put together a little Excel worksheet that compiles the data available and allows you to compare different boats. Example screenshot below if it attached properly. If there is any interest I'd be happy to share the file.

[Don C L]

Looks good! I’d just add that not all info on SD is correct and maybe there is some way to make sure apples aren’t compared to oranges too. I bet there are a lot of folks boat hunting who’ll appreciate it.

[ScubaTyke]

I would definitely be interested!

[lk240]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Looks good! I’d just add that not all info on SD is correct and maybe there is some way to make apples aren’t compared to oranges too. I bet there are a lot of folks boat hunting who’ll appreciate it.

Good point. It’s a bit cumbersome too but takes about 2 minutes per boat to format it right due to some differences in how the pages are formatted across boats.

[john61ct]

Cool! Import a master template to Google Sheets and post a link here. You can control who has Editor access, maybe just you.

Everyone else is Read Only, can just download a copy to alter for their own use.

Easy to also convert to and from Excel or Libre Office Calc

[cyan]

Originally Posted by lk240

In researching different boats, i found myself going to Sailboatdata.com a lot to learn about different specs and how boats compare. I put together a little Excel worksheet that compiles the data available and allows you to compare different boats. Example screenshot below if it attached properly. If there is any interest I'd be happy to share the file.

Well done.
Very interested.

[lk240]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Cool! Import a master template to Google Sheets and post a link here. You can control who has Editor access, maybe just you.

Everyone else is Read Only, can just download a copy to alter for their own use.

Easy to also convert to and from Excel or Libre Office Calc

Have not used google sheets but will explore. Thanks.

[FabioC]

Great job.
I'd be very interested in having access to it.
Thank you!

[Panama Red]

Go to Tom Dove's web site, he has already done this for you for about 3200+ sailboats; Sail Calculator Pro v3.54 - 3200+ boats

[MJH]

Panama Red has the right recommendation. Boat specifications without the ratio calculations for comparison don't mean a whole lot. The ratio comparison will open your eyes how these boat designs really compare. The only thing missing are the qualifiers, that is to say, what is acceptable and what is not. If you compare two poor boats, one may be better than the other but both not acceptable by the qualifiers (accepted standards). WARNING...these standards will change depending on who you are getting them from. If you are trying to compare boats for passage-making, don't get them from a racing source and vice-versa.

Another concern would be to insure that the raw data was correct. Many manufacturers routinely over emphasize sail area in their specs with genoas or including staysail area when you should be comparing the 100% sail area (if it doesn't say "(100%)" then it should be suspect. You can do the math yourself with the I, J, P, E measurements to get the true 100% sail area; and YES, this can truly compare cutters, sloops, ketches, and yawls.

Also, some designs come with optional keels or taller masts. A taller mast means greater a sail area and a wing/shoal keel means more weight, both affecting the final ratios.

Numbers don't lie but be diligent to insure what you are comparing is accurate.

My personal data base has over 4,000 boats and still growing.

Good Luck.

~ ~ _/) ~ ~ MJH

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Panama Red

Go to Tom Dove's web site, he has already done this for you for about 3200+ sailboats; Sail Calculator Pro v3.54 - 3200+ boats

+1

Existing extensive database. Easy to do head-to-head comparisons. Fun to play with. Can search for boats with specific parameters. Hours of fun.

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by MJH

. . . .
Another concern would be to insure that the raw data was correct. Many manufacturers routinely over emphasize sail area in their specs with genoas or including staysail area when you should be comparing the 100% sail area (if it doesn't say "(100%)" then it should be suspect. You can do the math yourself with the I, J, P, E measurements to get the true 100% sail area; and YES, this can truly compare cutters, sloops, ketches, and yawls.
. . . .

I’ve done a lot of research thru SBD, and generally the Manufacturer’s sail area agrees with SA calf’s from dimensions. SBD has both listed where both are available to you can easily check.

Also Randy who runs SBD does a lot of error checking.

[sbmesafirstmate]

I have a friend looking at the very boats you included in the example you posted, e.g., 38' Caliber, Island Packet, etc.

So very interested in access to your file.

thanks for all your work putting that together!

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Panama Red

Go to Tom Dove's web site, he has already done this for you for about 3200+ sailboats; Sail Calculator Pro v3.54 - 3200+ boats

There’s definitely a lot of boats there, but the first one I looked up, Pearson Triton, had very different numbers compared to SD. Pretty sure SD is closer to reality in this one example.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Don C L

There’s definitely a lot of boats there, but the first one I looked up, Pearson Triton, had very different numbers compared to SD. Pretty sure SD is closer to reality in this one example.

Send him a note. He’s very happy to be told about any errors.