Aquarius 23 vs Balboa 22
How do the Aquarius 23 and Balboa 22 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 22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 22.7 ft6.91 m | 21.6 ft6.58 m |
| Waterline length | 21.2 ft6.45 m | 19.0 ft5.79 m |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 2,280 lb1,034 kg | 1,980 lb898 kg |
| Ballast | 815 lb370 kg | 600 lb272 kg |
| Sail area | 218 ft²20.3 m² | 206 ft²19.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.14 | 20.90 |
| Displacement / Length | 107 | 129 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.3 | 9.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.41 | 2.55 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.2 | 5.8 |
Aquarius 23 vs Balboa 22: the short version
- The Aquarius 23 is the larger boat at 22.7 ft6.91 m LOA versus 21.6 ft6.58 m for the Balboa 22.
- The Aquarius 23 is heavier, displacing about 15% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Balboa 22 carries the more powerful rig (20.9 vs 20.1), 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 2.55).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.