Balboa 20 vs Com-Pac Horizon Cat
How do the Balboa 20 and Com-Pac Horizon Cat 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 | Com-Pac Horizon Cat | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Waterline length | 17.5 ft5.33 m | 17.8 ft5.41 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 8.3 ft2.54 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 1,700 lb771 kg | 2,500 lb1,134 kg |
| Ballast | 450 lb204 kg | 600 lb272 kg |
| Sail area | 182 ft²16.9 m² | 205 ft²19.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.44 | 17.81 |
| Displacement / Length | 142 | 200 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.6 | 12.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.37 | 2.46 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.6 | 5.6 |
Balboa 20 vs Com-Pac Horizon Cat: the short version
- The Balboa 20 and Com-Pac Horizon Cat are close in length (20.0 ft6.10 m vs 20.0 ft6.10 m ).
- The Com-Pac Horizon Cat is heavier, displacing about 47% 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 17.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Com-Pac Horizon Cat scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Balboa 20 rates better for offshore work (2.37 vs 2.46).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.