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Kelt 620
Designer: Phillipe Harlé  ·  Builder: Kelt (Fra)  ·  First built: 1974
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About the Kelt 620

French designer Philippe Harlé created this compact cruiser during the height of the European production boat boom, with Kelt manufacturing 1,300 hulls between 1974 and 1987. At just over 20 feet overall, the 620 maximizes interior volume through a generous 8-foot beam while maintaining respectable sailing characteristics with its fin keel and transom-hung rudder configuration. The masthead sloop rig delivers a healthy sail area-to-displacement ratio of 24.41, providing spirited performance for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. With a displacement of 2,105 pounds and substantial ballast ratio, the 620 offers reassuring stability for a boat this size. The moderate comfort ratio of 11.04 suggests quick motion in choppy conditions, typical of smaller designs prioritizing performance over pure comfort. Built with solid fiberglass construction during an era when French builders were gaining recognition for quality craftsmanship, the Kelt 620 represents practical European design philosophy. The hull's 17-foot waterline length yields a theoretical hull speed of 5.53 knots, making this an ideal choice for sailors seeking an affordable entry into cruising or those wanting a manageable boat for protected waters and near-coastal sailing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 20.34 ft / 6.20 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 17.06 ft / 5.20 m
Beam 8.14 ft / 2.48 m
Max Draft 3.48 ft / 1.06 m
Displacement 2,105.00 lb / 955 kg
Ballast 838.00 lb / 380 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 250.00 ft² / 23.23 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Phillipe Harlé
Builder Kelt (FRA)
First Built 1974
Last Built 1987
Number Built 1300
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
24.41
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
39.81
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
189.26
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
11.04
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.54
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.53 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 496.19 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. First 210 Beneteau, San Juan 21, Santana 20

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Kelt 620 ★
20.3 ft
First 210 Beneteau
20.3 ft
San Juan 21
20.5 ft
Santana 20
20.2 ft
LWL
Kelt 620 ★
17.1 ft
First 210 Beneteau
19.7 ft
San Juan 21
17.0 ft
Santana 20
16.0 ft
Beam
Kelt 620 ★
8.1 ft
First 210 Beneteau
8.1 ft
San Juan 21
7.0 ft
Santana 20
8.0 ft
Displacement
Kelt 620 ★
2 lbs
First 210 Beneteau
2 lbs
San Juan 21
1 lbs
Santana 20
1 lbs
Ballast
Kelt 620 ★
838 lbs
First 210 Beneteau
772 lbs
San Juan 21
400 lbs
Santana 20
550 lbs
Sail Area
Kelt 620 ★
250 sq ft
First 210 Beneteau
237 sq ft
San Juan 21
190 sq ft
Santana 20
204 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Kelt 620 ★
First 210 Beneteau
San Juan 21
258 s/nm
Santana 20
228 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Kelt 620 ★
24.4
First 210 Beneteau
22.3
San Juan 21
26.3
Santana 20
26.8
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Kelt 620 ★
39.8 %
First 210 Beneteau
34.7 %
San Juan 21
Santana 20
40.7 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Kelt 620 ★
11.0
First 210 Beneteau
10.6
San Juan 21
8.0
Santana 20
7.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Kelt 620 ★
2.54
First 210 Beneteau
2.50
San Juan 21
2.60
Santana 20
2.90
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Kelt 620 ★
189
First 210 Beneteau
130
San Juan 21
Santana 20
147
Hull Speed
Kelt 620 ★
5.5 kts
First 210 Beneteau
5.9 kts
San Juan 21
5.5 kts
Santana 20
5.4 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Kelt 620 ★
First 210 Beneteau
4.5
San Juan 21
5.4
Santana 20
4.4
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