The B14 Bethwaite is with a quick, snappy motion best suited to day sailing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
4.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 13.2′, the B14 Bethwaite tops out around 4.9 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √13.2′ LWL = 4.9 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
27
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Comfort Ratio
1.7
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Capsize Screening
4.21
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Hull Speed
4.9kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
1.7
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
4.21
Above the 2.0 offshore threshold — best suited for coastal and protected waters.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the B14 Bethwaite.
| B14 Bethwaite | Force 5 | Gp14 | Ilca 7 Laser International | International 14 | Merlin Rocket | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 14.0 | 13.9 | 14.0 | 13.9 | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| LWL | 13.2 | 13.2 | — | 12.5 | 14.0 | 13.5 |
| Beam | 5.5 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 7.2 |
| Displacement | 141 | 140 | 293 | 128 | 164 | 210 |
| Sail Area | — | 91 | 103 | 76 | 200 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 54.0 | 37.4 | 47.9 | 106.9 | — |
| Comfort | 1.7 | 2.0 | — | 2.1 | 1.7 | — |
| Capsize | 4.21 | 3.72 | 3.04 | 3.56 | 4.39 | — |
| Hull Speed | 4.9 | 4.9 | — | 4.7 | 5.0 | — |