Baymaster 18 vs Ideal 18
How do the Baymaster 18 and Ideal 18 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Baymaster 18 | Baymaster 18 | Ideal 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.9 ft5.46 m | 17.9 ft5.44 m |
| Waterline length | 15.0 ft4.57 m | 14.3 ft4.37 m |
| Beam | 6.9 ft2.11 m | 6.2 ft1.89 m |
| Draft | 4.0 ft1.22 m | 3.3 ft0.99 m |
| Displacement | 850 lb386 kg | 1,240 lb562 kg |
| Ballast | 150 lb68 kg | 700 lb318 kg |
| Sail area | 146 ft²13.6 m² | 175 ft²16.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 26.03 | 24.26 |
| Displacement / Length | 112 | 187 |
| Comfort ratio | 6.3 | 10.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.92 | 2.31 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.2 | 5.1 |
Baymaster 18 vs Ideal 18: the short version
- The Baymaster 18 and Ideal 18 are close in length (17.9 ft5.46 m vs 17.9 ft5.44 m ).
- The Ideal 18 is heavier, displacing about 46% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Baymaster 18 carries the more powerful rig (26.0 vs 24.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Ideal 18 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Ideal 18 rates better for offshore work (2.31 vs 2.92).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.