Naiad 18 vs Y flyer
How do the Naiad 18 and Y flyer compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Naiad 18 
Y flyer | Naiad 18 | Y flyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.3 ft5.56 m | 18.2 ft5.54 m |
| Waterline length | 17.5 ft5.33 m | 14.5 ft4.42 m |
| Beam | 6.0 ft1.83 m | 5.7 ft1.73 m |
| Draft | 3.7 ft1.12 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 1,100 lb499 kg | 500 lb227 kg |
| Ballast | 550 lb249 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 144 ft²13.4 m² | 161 ft²15.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 21.62 | 40.89 |
| Displacement / Length | 92 | 73 |
| Comfort ratio | 8.8 | 4.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.32 | 2.86 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.6 | 5.1 |
Naiad 18 vs Y flyer: the short version
- The Naiad 18 and Y flyer are close in length (18.3 ft5.56 m vs 18.2 ft5.54 m ).
- The Naiad 18 is heavier, displacing about 120% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Y flyer carries the more powerful rig (40.9 vs 21.6), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Naiad 18 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Naiad 18 rates better for offshore work (2.32 vs 2.86).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.