Balboa 20 vs Nacra 20
How do the Balboa 20 and Nacra 20 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Balboa 20 
Nacra 20 | Balboa 20 | Nacra 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 8.5 ft2.59 m |
| Draft | 4.4 ft1.35 m | 3.2 ft0.97 m |
| Displacement | 1,700 lb771 kg | 390 lb177 kg |
| Ballast | 450 lb204 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 182 ft²16.9 m² | 256 ft²23.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.44 | 76.73 |
| Displacement / Length | 142 | — |
| Comfort ratio | 10.6 | — |
| Capsize screening | 2.37 | 4.65 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.6 | — |
Balboa 20 vs Nacra 20: the short version
- The Balboa 20 and Nacra 20 are close in length (20.0 ft6.10 m vs 20.0 ft6.10 m ).
- The Balboa 20 is heavier, displacing about 336% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Nacra 20 carries the more powerful rig (76.7 vs 20.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- By the capsize screening formula the Balboa 20 rates better for offshore work (2.37 vs 4.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.