Balboa 16 vs Martin 16
How do the Balboa 16 and Martin 16 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Balboa 16 
Martin 16 | Balboa 16 | Martin 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.0 ft4.88 m | 16.0 ft4.88 m |
| Waterline length | 14.7 ft4.47 m | 16.0 ft4.88 m |
| Beam | 7.5 ft2.29 m | 4.3 ft1.32 m |
| Draft | 2.4 ft0.74 m | 3.3 ft1.01 m |
| Displacement | 1,000 lb454 kg | 730 lb331 kg |
| Ballast | 400 lb181 kg | 330 lb150 kg |
| Sail area | 117 ft²10.9 m² | 100 ft²9.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.72 | 19.74 |
| Displacement / Length | 141 | 80 |
| Comfort ratio | 7.0 | 10.0 |
| Capsize screening | 3.00 | 1.92 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.1 | 5.4 |
Balboa 16 vs Martin 16: the short version
- The Balboa 16 and Martin 16 are close in length (16.0 ft4.88 m vs 16.0 ft4.88 m ).
- The Balboa 16 is heavier, displacing about 37% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Martin 16 carries the more powerful rig (19.7 vs 18.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Martin 16 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Martin 16 rates better for offshore work (1.92 vs 3.00).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.