Ideal 18 vs Viking 34
How do the Ideal 18 and Viking 34 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Ideal 18 
Viking 34 | Ideal 18 | Viking 34 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.9 ft5.44 m | 33.6 ft10.24 m |
| Waterline length | 14.3 ft4.37 m | 27.2 ft8.28 m |
| Beam | 6.2 ft1.89 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 3.3 ft0.99 m | 6.0 ft1.83 m |
| Displacement | 1,240 lb562 kg | 8,900 lb4,037 kg |
| Ballast | 700 lb318 kg | 4,500 lb2,041 kg |
| Sail area | 175 ft²16.3 m² | 540 ft²50.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 24.26 | 20.12 |
| Displacement / Length | 187 | 198 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.9 | 22.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.31 | 1.90 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.1 | 7.0 |
Ideal 18 vs Viking 34: the short version
- The Viking 34 is the larger boat at 33.6 ft10.24 m LOA versus 17.9 ft5.44 m for the Ideal 18.
- The Viking 34 is heavier, displacing about 618% 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 20.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Viking 34 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Viking 34 rates better for offshore work (1.90 vs 2.31).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.