Aquarius 21 vs Balboa 24
How do the Aquarius 21 and Balboa 24 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 24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 21.0 ft6.40 m | 23.6 ft7.19 m |
| Waterline length | 18.3 ft5.56 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Beam | 7.8 ft2.38 m | 8.3 ft2.54 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 2.9 ft0.89 m |
| Displacement | 1,900 lb862 kg | 2,600 lb1,179 kg |
| Ballast | 665 lb302 kg | 900 lb408 kg |
| Sail area | 163 ft²15.1 m² | 221 ft²20.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.00 | 18.70 |
| Displacement / Length | 140 | 145 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.9 | 11.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.53 | 2.42 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.7 | 6.0 |
Aquarius 21 vs Balboa 24: the short version
- The Balboa 24 is the larger boat at 23.6 ft7.19 m LOA versus 21.0 ft6.40 m for the Aquarius 21.
- The Balboa 24 is heavier, displacing about 37% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Balboa 24 carries the more powerful rig (18.7 vs 17.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Balboa 24 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Balboa 24 rates better for offshore work (2.42 vs 2.53).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.