Balboa 20 vs Core Sound 20 Mark 3
How do the Balboa 20 and Core Sound 20 Mark 3 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Balboa 20 
Core Sound 20 Mark 3 | Balboa 20 | Core Sound 20 Mark 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Waterline length | 17.5 ft5.33 m | —— |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 6.5 ft1.99 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 3.9 ft1.20 m |
| Displacement | 1,700 lb771 kg | 1,500 lb680 kg |
| Ballast | 450 lb204 kg | 438 lb199 kg |
| Sail area | 182 ft²16.9 m² | 180 ft²16.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.44 | 21.98 |
| Displacement / Length | 142 | — |
| Comfort ratio | 10.6 | — |
| Capsize screening | 2.37 | 2.28 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.6 | — |
Balboa 20 vs Core Sound 20 Mark 3: the short version
- The Balboa 20 and Core Sound 20 Mark 3 are close in length (20.0 ft6.10 m vs 20.0 ft6.10 m ).
- The Balboa 20 is heavier, displacing about 13% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Core Sound 20 Mark 3 carries the more powerful rig (22.0 vs 20.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Core Sound 20 Mark 3 rates better for offshore work (2.28 vs 2.37).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.