Edel 540 vs Ideal 18
How do the Edel 540 and Ideal 18 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Edel 540 
Ideal 18 | Edel 540 | Ideal 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.7 ft5.40 m | 17.9 ft5.44 m |
| Waterline length | 14.8 ft4.50 m | 14.3 ft4.37 m |
| Beam | 8.0 ft2.44 m | 6.2 ft1.89 m |
| Draft | 2.3 ft0.70 m | 3.3 ft0.99 m |
| Displacement | 1,711 lb776 kg | 1,240 lb562 kg |
| Ballast | 331 lb150 kg | 700 lb318 kg |
| Sail area | 162 ft²15.1 m² | 175 ft²16.3 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.12 | 24.26 |
| Displacement / Length | 238 | 187 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.6 | 10.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.68 | 2.31 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.1 | 5.1 |
Edel 540 vs Ideal 18: the short version
- The Edel 540 and Ideal 18 are close in length (17.7 ft5.40 m vs 17.9 ft5.44 m ).
- The Edel 540 is heavier, displacing about 38% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Ideal 18 carries the more powerful rig (24.3 vs 18.1), 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 2.68).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.