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Sailboat Specifications

Ross 780

Fractional Sloop · Lifting Keel

Designed by Murray Ross · Built by Austin - Hopwood Boats · First built 1980

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LOA 25.58 ft  ·  Beam 8.08 ft  ·  Displacement 2,490.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 293.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Lifting Keel
About the Ross 780 Sailboat

Designed as a practical and accessible cruising sailboat, the Ross 780 comes from the Ross range of New Zealand-built production boats that gained a loyal following among coastal sailors throughout the Pacific region. Built with everyday sailing in mind, these boats developed a reputation for being robust, manageable, and well-suited to the conditions found around New Zealand and Australian waters. With a layout oriented toward weekend cruising and day sailing, the Ross 780 appeals to sailors looking for a reliable and straightforward vessel that doesn't demand an experienced crew to handle competently. Its hull form reflects the pragmatic design philosophy common to production cruisers of its era, prioritizing stability and ease of handling over outright performance. For anyone considering a first cruising boat or a budget-friendly coastal companion, the Ross 780 represents a sensible option with an established presence in the secondhand market. Parts and community knowledge are reasonably accessible given the boat's regional popularity. Prospective buyers should focus their research on the condition of individual examples, as age and maintenance history will vary considerably across surviving boats.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 25.58 ft / 7.80 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.25 ft / 7.09 m
Beam 8.08 ft / 2.46 m
Max Draft 5.92 ft / 1.80 m
Min Draft 0.92 ft / 0.28 m
Displacement 2,490.00 lb / 1,129 kg
Ballast 1,012.00 lb / 459 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 293.00 ft² / 27.22 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Lifting Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Murray Ross
Builder Austin - Hopwood Boats
First Built 1980
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ross 780's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Ross 780 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 25.58. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Ross 780's comfort ratio?

The Ross 780 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 9.93. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Ross 780 safe for offshore sailing?

The Ross 780 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.39. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Ross 780?

The theoretical hull speed of the Ross 780 is 6.46 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Ross 780 weigh?

The Ross 780 has a displacement of 2,490.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 25.58 ft.

Who designed the Ross 780?

The Ross 780 was designed by Murray Ross, first built in 1980.