Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.4 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 30.3′, the Beneteau First 36.7 tops out around 7.4 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √30.3′ LWL = 7.4 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Hull Speed
7.4kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
1,371lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Beneteau First 36.7 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Catalina 36
Tartan 37
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Beneteau First 36.7.
| Beneteau First 36.7 | Beneteau 361 | Catalina 36 | Tartan 37 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||
| LOA | 36.0 | 36.4 | 36.3 | 37.0 |
| LWL | 30.3 | 31.1 | 30.3 | 25.5 |
| Beam | 11.3 | 12.5 | 11.9 | 10.5 |
| Displacement | — | 13,349 | 13 | 14 |
| Ballast | — | 4,156 | 6 | 4 |
| Sail Area | — | 718 | 545 | 654 |
| Performance | ||||
| PHRF | — | — | 138 | 174 |
| SA/Disp | — | 20.4 | 15.4 | 17.6 |
| Bal/Disp | — | 31.1 | 44.4 | — |
| Comfort | — | 21.7 | 24.0 | 34.0 |
| Capsize | — | 2.11 | 2.01 | 1.72 |
| Hull Speed | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.4 | 6.8 |