Balboa 22 vs Ensenada 20
How do the Balboa 22 and Ensenada 20 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Balboa 22 | Balboa 22 | Ensenada 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 21.6 ft6.58 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Waterline length | 19.0 ft5.79 m | 17.5 ft5.33 m |
| Beam | 8.0 ft2.44 m | 7.1 ft2.16 m |
| Draft | 5.5 ft1.68 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 1,980 lb898 kg | 1,600 lb726 kg |
| Ballast | 600 lb272 kg | 550 lb249 kg |
| Sail area | 206 ft²19.1 m² | 199 ft²18.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 20.90 | 23.28 |
| Displacement / Length | 129 | 133 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.7 | 10.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.55 | 2.42 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.8 | 5.6 |
Balboa 22 vs Ensenada 20: the short version
- The Balboa 22 is the larger boat at 21.6 ft6.58 m LOA versus 20.0 ft6.10 m for the Ensenada 20.
- The Balboa 22 is heavier, displacing about 24% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Ensenada 20 carries the more powerful rig (23.3 vs 20.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Ensenada 20 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Ensenada 20 rates better for offshore work (2.42 vs 2.55).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.