Aquarius 23 vs Balboa 16
How do the Aquarius 23 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 23 | Aquarius 23 | Balboa 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 22.7 ft6.91 m | 16.0 ft4.88 m |
| Waterline length | 21.2 ft6.45 m | 14.7 ft4.47 m |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 7.5 ft2.29 m |
| Draft | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 2.4 ft0.74 m |
| Displacement | 2,280 lb1,034 kg | 1,000 lb454 kg |
| Ballast | 815 lb370 kg | 400 lb181 kg |
| Sail area | 218 ft²20.3 m² | 117 ft²10.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.14 | 18.72 |
| Displacement / Length | 107 | 141 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.3 | 7.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.41 | 3.00 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.2 | 5.1 |
Aquarius 23 vs Balboa 16: the short version
- The Aquarius 23 is the larger boat at 22.7 ft6.91 m LOA versus 16.0 ft4.88 m for the Balboa 16.
- The Aquarius 23 is heavier, displacing about 128% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Aquarius 23 carries the more powerful rig (20.1 vs 18.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Aquarius 23 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Aquarius 23 rates better for offshore work (2.41 vs 3.00).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.