Blue Water 24 vs Melges 24
How do the Blue Water 24 and Melges 24 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Blue Water 24 Blue Water Boats/Holden Laminates · 1961 
Melges 24 Melges Performance Sailboats · 1993 | Blue Water 24 | Melges 24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 24.0 ft7.32 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Waterline length | 19.7 ft6.00 m | 22.0 ft6.71 m |
| Beam | 8.6 ft2.62 m | 8.2 ft2.49 m |
| Draft | 4.1 ft1.24 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 7,950 lb3,606 kg | 1,784 lb809 kg |
| Ballast | 3,000 lb1,361 kg | 650 lb295 kg |
| Sail area | 276 ft²25.6 m² | 291 ft²27.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 11.09 | 31.65 |
| Displacement / Length | 466 | 75 |
| Comfort ratio | 33.4 | 7.4 |
| Capsize screening | 1.72 | 2.69 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.9 | 6.3 |
Blue Water 24 vs Melges 24: the short version
- The Blue Water 24 and Melges 24 are close in length (24.0 ft7.32 m vs 24.0 ft7.32 m ).
- The Blue Water 24 is heavier, displacing about 346% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Melges 24 carries the more powerful rig (31.7 vs 11.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Blue Water 24 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Blue Water 24 rates better for offshore work (1.72 vs 2.69).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.