Balboa 24 vs Ensenada 20
How do the Balboa 24 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 24 | Balboa 24 | Ensenada 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 23.6 ft7.19 m | 20.0 ft6.10 m |
| Waterline length | 20.0 ft6.10 m | 17.5 ft5.33 m |
| Beam | 8.3 ft2.54 m | 7.1 ft2.16 m |
| Draft | 2.9 ft0.89 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 2,600 lb1,179 kg | 1,600 lb726 kg |
| Ballast | 900 lb408 kg | 550 lb249 kg |
| Sail area | 221 ft²20.5 m² | 199 ft²18.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.70 | 23.28 |
| Displacement / Length | 145 | 133 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.3 | 10.0 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 2.42 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.0 | 5.6 |
Balboa 24 vs Ensenada 20: the short version
- The Balboa 24 is the larger boat at 23.6 ft7.19 m LOA versus 20.0 ft6.10 m for the Ensenada 20.
- The Balboa 24 is heavier, displacing about 63% 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 18.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Balboa 24 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 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.