Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
4.5 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 11.3′, the Blue Jay tops out around 4.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √11.3′ LWL = 4.5 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Displacement / Length
86
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
4.5kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
1lbs
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 Blue Jay.
| Blue Jay | 420 | Enterprise Int | International Fj | Lark 13 | Vaurien | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 13.5 | 13.8 | 13.3 | 13.2 | 13.3 | 13.4 |
| LWL | 11.3 | 13.2 | — | 12.3 | 12.8 | — |
| Beam | 5.2 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 4.8 |
| Displacement | 275 | 220 | 200 | 165 | 185 | 209 |
| Sail Area | — | — | — | 104 | 120 | 81 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | — | — | 55.4 | 59.2 | — |
| Comfort | — | — | 2.8 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 3.3 |
| Capsize | — | — | — | 3.83 | 3.86 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | — | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 |