Balboa 16 vs Balboa 22
How do the Balboa 16 and Balboa 22 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Balboa 16 | Balboa 16 | Balboa 22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.0 ft4.88 m | 21.6 ft6.58 m |
| Waterline length | 14.7 ft4.47 m | 19.0 ft5.79 m |
| Beam | 7.5 ft2.29 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 2.4 ft0.74 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Displacement | 1,000 lb454 kg | 1,980 lb898 kg |
| Ballast | 400 lb181 kg | 600 lb272 kg |
| Sail area | 117 ft²10.9 m² | 206 ft²19.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.72 | 20.90 |
| Displacement / Length | 141 | 129 |
| Comfort ratio | 7.0 | 9.7 |
| Capsize screening | 3.00 | 2.55 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.1 | 5.8 |
Balboa 16 vs Balboa 22: the short version
- The Balboa 22 is the larger boat at 21.6 ft6.58 m LOA versus 16.0 ft4.88 m for the Balboa 16.
- The Balboa 22 is heavier, displacing about 98% 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 18.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Balboa 22 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Balboa 22 rates better for offshore work (2.55 vs 3.00).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.