The Balance 502 is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
9.5 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 50.0′, the Balance 502 tops out around 9.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √50.0′ LWL = 9.5 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
26.7
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Displacement / Length
101
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
9.5kts
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail | 6 kts TWS | 10 kts TWS | 15 kts TWS | 20 kts TWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close-hauled40–50° | 4.5 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.6 |
| Close Reach60° | 5.4 | 6.8 | 7.6 | 8.0 |
| Beam Reach90° | 6.6 | 8.4 | 9.4 | 10.2 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 6.1 | 7.8 | 8.7 | 9.4 |
| Run150–180° | 4.9 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.2 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (9.5 kts),
SA/D (26.7), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Balance 502 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Balance 502.
| Balance 502 | Excess 13 | Rapido 50 | Shogun 50 | St Francis 50 | St Francis 500 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 50.0 | 50.2 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 50.0 |
| LWL | 50.0 | 42.6 | 49.1 | 46.6 | 47.1 | — |
| Beam | 25.9 | 23.8 | 34.1 | 12.7 | 26.3 | 26.3 |
| Displacement | 28 | 23 | 18 | 17 | 27 | 31 |
| Ballast | — | — | — | 7 | — | — |
| Sail Area | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | 26.7 | 24.3 | 40.4 | 34.7 | — | 23.8 |
| Bal/Disp | — | — | — | 45.6 | — | — |
| Comfort | — | — | — | 19.1 | 11.3 | — |
| Capsize | — | — | — | 1.97 | 3.48 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | — | — | 9.2 | 9.2 | — |