Balboa 20 vs Flying 15
How do the Balboa 20 and Flying 15 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Balboa 20 %20(cropped).jpg?width=960)
Flying 15 | Balboa 20 | Flying 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Waterline length | 17.5 ft5.33 m | 15.0 ft4.57 m |
| Beam | 7.1 ft2.16 m | 7.0 ft2.13 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 2.5 ft0.76 m |
| Displacement | 1,700 lb771 kg | 725 lb329 kg |
| Ballast | 450 lb204 kg | 372 lb169 kg |
| Sail area | 182 ft²16.9 m² | 142 ft²13.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.44 | 28.15 |
| Displacement / Length | 142 | 96 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.6 | 5.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.37 | 3.12 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.6 | 5.2 |
Balboa 20 vs Flying 15: the short version
- The Balboa 20 and Flying 15 are close in length (20.0 ft6.10 m vs 20.0 ft6.10 m ).
- The Balboa 20 is heavier, displacing about 134% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Flying 15 carries the more powerful rig (28.2 vs 20.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Balboa 20 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 3.12).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.