Ideal 18 vs Viking 28
How do the Ideal 18 and Viking 28 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Ideal 18 
Viking 28 | Ideal 18 | Viking 28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.9 ft5.44 m | 28.2 ft8.59 m |
| Waterline length | 14.3 ft4.37 m | 22.0 ft6.71 m |
| Beam | 6.2 ft1.89 m | 8.4 ft2.55 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft0.99 m | 4.5 ft1.37 m |
| Displacement | 1,240 lb562 kg | 4,775 lb2,166 kg |
| Ballast | 700 lb318 kg | 2,250 lb1,021 kg |
| Sail area | 175 ft²16.3 m² | 317 ft²29.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 24.26 | 17.89 |
| Displacement / Length | 187 | 200 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.9 | 18.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.31 | 1.99 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.1 | 6.3 |
Ideal 18 vs Viking 28: the short version
- The Viking 28 is the larger boat at 28.2 ft8.59 m LOA versus 17.9 ft5.44 m for the Ideal 18.
- The Viking 28 is heavier, displacing about 285% 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 17.9), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Viking 28 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Viking 28 rates better for offshore work (1.99 vs 2.31).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.