Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 19.7′, the Ab 23 tops out around 5.9 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √19.7′ LWL = 5.9 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Displacement / Length
126
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
5.9kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Ab 23 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Hunter 23
Precision 23
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Ab 23.
| Ab 23 | Hunter 23 | Maxus 21 | Parker 235 | Precision 23 | Santana 2023C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 23.3 | 23.3 | 23.3 | 23.5 | 23.4 | 23.3 |
| LWL | 19.7 | 20.3 | — | 20.9 | 20.0 | 20.6 |
| Beam | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Displacement | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Ballast | — | 1 | 617 | 683 | 850 | 1 |
| Sail Area | — | 238 | 247 | 270 | 248 | 222 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 243 | — | — | 243 | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 16.2 | 20.2 | 20.6 | 21.9 | 17.6 |
| Bal/Disp | — | 37.5 | — | — | — | 45.1 |
| Comfort | — | — | — | 12.9 | 10.4 | 12.0 |
| Capsize | — | — | 2.33 | 2.30 | 2.53 | 2.39 |
| Hull Speed | — | — | — | 6.1 | 6.0 | 6.1 |