Ideal 18 vs Ontario 32
How do the Ideal 18 and Ontario 32 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Ideal 18 
Ontario 32 | Ideal 18 | Ontario 32 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.9 ft5.44 m | 32.0 ft9.75 m |
| Waterline length | 14.3 ft4.37 m | 26.5 ft8.08 m |
| Beam | 6.2 ft1.89 m | 11.0 ft3.35 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft0.99 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 1,240 lb562 kg | 9,800 lb4,445 kg |
| Ballast | 700 lb318 kg | 3,977 lb1,804 kg |
| Sail area | 175 ft²16.3 m² | 481 ft²44.7 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 24.26 | 16.81 |
| Displacement / Length | 187 | 235 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.9 | 22.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.31 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.1 | 6.9 |
Ideal 18 vs Ontario 32: the short version
- The Ontario 32 is the larger boat at 32.0 ft9.75 m LOA versus 17.9 ft5.44 m for the Ideal 18.
- The Ontario 32 is heavier, displacing about 690% 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 16.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Ontario 32 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Ontario 32 rates better for offshore work (2.06 vs 2.31).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.