Aquarius 23 vs Balboa 24
How do the Aquarius 23 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 23 | Aquarius 23 | Balboa 24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 22.7 ft6.91 m | 23.6 ft7.19 m |
| Waterline length | 21.2 ft6.45 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 8.3 ft2.54 m |
| Draft | 4.6 ft1.40 m | 2.9 ft0.89 m |
| Displacement | 2,280 lb1,034 kg | 2,600 lb1,179 kg |
| Ballast | 815 lb370 kg | 900 lb408 kg |
| Sail area | 218 ft²20.3 m² | 221 ft²20.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.14 | 18.70 |
| Displacement / Length | 107 | 145 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.3 | 11.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.41 | 2.42 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.2 | 6.0 |
Aquarius 23 vs Balboa 24: the short version
- The Balboa 24 is the larger boat at 23.6 ft7.19 m LOA versus 22.7 ft6.91 m for the Aquarius 23.
- The Balboa 24 is heavier, displacing about 14% 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 Balboa 24 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 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.