Lightning vs San Juan 34
How do the Lightning and San Juan 34 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Lightning 
San Juan 34 | Lightning | San Juan 34 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 19.0 ft5.79 m | 33.8 ft10.30 m |
| Waterline length | 15.3 ft4.65 m | 27.9 ft8.51 m |
| Beam | 5.0 ft1.51 m | 10.9 ft3.33 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.51 m | 5.9 ft1.80 m |
| Displacement | 700 lb318 kg | 10,500 lb4,763 kg |
| Ballast | —— | 4,800 lb2,177 kg |
| Sail area | 189 ft²17.6 m² | 551 ft²51.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 38.36 | 18.39 |
| Displacement / Length | 88 | 215 |
| Comfort ratio | 7.8 | 22.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.23 | 1.99 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.2 | 7.1 |
Lightning vs San Juan 34: the short version
- The San Juan 34 is the larger boat at 33.8 ft10.30 m LOA versus 19.0 ft5.79 m for the Lightning.
- The San Juan 34 is heavier, displacing about 1400% 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 18.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The San Juan 34 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the San Juan 34 rates better for offshore work (1.99 vs 2.23).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.