Balboa 20 vs Cal 20
How do the Balboa 20 and Cal 20 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Balboa 20 | Balboa 20 | Cal 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Waterline length | 17.5 ft5.33 m | 18.0 ft5.49 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 7.0 ft2.13 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 3.3 ft1.01 m |
| Displacement | 1,700 lb771 kg | 1,950 lb885 kg |
| Ballast | 450 lb204 kg | 900 lb408 kg |
| Sail area | 182 ft²16.9 m² | 195 ft²18.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.44 | 19.99 |
| Displacement / Length | 142 | 149 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.6 | 12.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.37 | 2.24 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.6 | 5.7 |
Balboa 20 vs Cal 20: the short version
- The Balboa 20 and Cal 20 are close in length (20.0 ft6.10 m vs 20.0 ft6.10 m ).
- The Cal 20 is heavier, displacing about 15% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Balboa 20 carries the more powerful rig (20.4 vs 20.0), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Cal 20 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Cal 20 rates better for offshore work (2.24 vs 2.37).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.