Lightning vs San Juan 24
How do the Lightning and San Juan 24 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Lightning 
San Juan 24 | Lightning | San Juan 24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 19.0 ft5.79 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Waterline length | 15.3 ft4.65 m | 19.5 ft5.94 m |
| Beam | 5.0 ft1.51 m | 8.0 ft2.44 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.51 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 700 lb318 kg | 3,200 lb1,451 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 1,650 lb748 kg |
| Sail area | 189 ft²17.6 m² | 247 ft²22.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 38.36 | 18.20 |
| Displacement / Length | 88 | 193 |
| Comfort ratio | 7.8 | 14.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.23 | 2.17 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.2 | 5.9 |
Lightning vs San Juan 24: the short version
- The San Juan 24 is the larger boat at 24.0 ft7.32 m LOA versus 19.0 ft5.79 m for the Lightning.
- The San Juan 24 is heavier, displacing about 357% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Lightning carries the more powerful rig (38.4 vs 18.2), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The San Juan 24 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the San Juan 24 rates better for offshore work (2.17 vs 2.23).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.