Aquarius 24 Pilot Cutter vs Tonic 23
How do the Aquarius 24 Pilot Cutter and Tonic 23 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Aquarius 24 Pilot Cutter 
Tonic 23 | Aquarius 24 Pilot Cutter | Tonic 23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.0 ft7.32 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Waterline length | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 20.3 ft6.19 m |
| Beam | 9.0 ft2.74 m | 8.1 ft2.47 m |
| Draft | 4.0 ft1.22 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 8,900 lb4,037 kg | 2,932 lb1,330 kg |
| Ballast | 3,200 lb1,451 kg | 1,058 lb480 kg |
| Sail area | 410 ft²38.1 m² | 316 ft²29.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.27 | 24.68 |
| Displacement / Length | 497 | 156 |
| Comfort ratio | 34.8 | 13.0 |
| Capsize screening | 1.74 | 2.26 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 6.0 |
Aquarius 24 Pilot Cutter vs Tonic 23: the short version
- The Aquarius 24 Pilot Cutter and Tonic 23 are close in length (24.0 ft7.32 m vs 24.0 ft7.32 m ).
- The Aquarius 24 Pilot Cutter is heavier, displacing about 204% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Tonic 23 carries the more powerful rig (24.7 vs 15.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Aquarius 24 Pilot Cutter scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Aquarius 24 Pilot Cutter rates better for offshore work (1.74 vs 2.26).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.