Blazer 23 vs Ideal 18
How do the Blazer 23 and Ideal 18 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Blazer 23 | Blazer 23 | Ideal 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 23.0 ft7.01 m | 17.9 ft5.44 m |
| Waterline length | 18.8 ft5.71 m | 14.3 ft4.37 m |
| Beam | 7.9 ft2.41 m | 6.2 ft1.89 m |
| Draft | 3.8 ft1.14 m | 3.3 ft0.99 m |
| Displacement | 2,200 lb998 kg | 1,240 lb562 kg |
| Ballast | 900 lb408 kg | 700 lb318 kg |
| Sail area | 260 ft²24.2 m² | 175 ft²16.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 24.59 | 24.26 |
| Displacement / Length | 149 | 187 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.8 | 10.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.44 | 2.31 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.8 | 5.1 |
Blazer 23 vs Ideal 18: the short version
- The Blazer 23 is the larger boat at 23.0 ft7.01 m LOA versus 17.9 ft5.44 m for the Ideal 18.
- The Blazer 23 is heavier, displacing about 77% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Blazer 23 carries the more powerful rig (24.6 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 2.44).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.