Aquarius 21 vs Balboa 16
How do the Aquarius 21 and Balboa 16 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Aquarius 21 | Aquarius 21 | Balboa 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 21.0 ft6.40 m | 16.0 ft4.88 m |
| Waterline length | 18.3 ft5.56 m | 14.7 ft4.47 m |
| Beam | 7.8 ft2.38 m | 7.5 ft2.29 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 2.4 ft0.74 m |
| Displacement | 1,900 lb862 kg | 1,000 lb454 kg |
| Ballast | 665 lb302 kg | 400 lb181 kg |
| Sail area | 163 ft²15.1 m² | 117 ft²10.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.00 | 18.72 |
| Displacement / Length | 140 | 141 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.9 | 7.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.53 | 3.00 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 5.1 |
Aquarius 21 vs Balboa 16: the short version
- The Aquarius 21 is the larger boat at 21.0 ft6.40 m LOA versus 16.0 ft4.88 m for the Balboa 16.
- The Aquarius 21 is heavier, displacing about 90% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Balboa 16 carries the more powerful rig (18.7 vs 17.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Aquarius 21 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Aquarius 21 rates better for offshore work (2.53 vs 3.00).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.