Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.6 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 24.0′, the Alpha tops out around 6.6 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √24.0′ LWL = 6.6 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
37.8%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
265
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
6.6kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
5lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Alpha.
| Alpha | Delph 32 | Evasion 32 Beneteau | Feeling 920 | Najad 320 | Ol 960 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 31.7 | 31.5 | 31.8 | 31.7 | 31.8 | 31.7 |
| LWL | 24.0 | 26.9 | 24.0 | 24.6 | 26.9 | 26.9 |
| Beam | 9.8 | 10.5 | 9.8 | 10.6 | 10.4 | 10.2 |
| Displacement | 8 | 10 | 12 | 7 | 10 | 9 |
| Ballast | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Sail Area | — | 451 | 524 | 420 | 477 | 430 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 14.8 | 15.5 | 16.9 | 15.7 | 15.7 |
| Bal/Disp | 37.8 | 44.9 | — | 37.5 | 44.9 | 42.9 |
| Comfort | — | 25.8 | 35.4 | 19.9 | 26.1 | 23.0 |
| Capsize | — | 1.90 | 1.69 | 2.12 | 1.88 | 1.94 |
| Hull Speed | — | 7.0 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.0 |