The Brewer 46 is with a gentle bluewater motion.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
8.2 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 37.8′, the Brewer 46 tops out around 8.2 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √37.8′ LWL = 8.2 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
349
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Comfort Ratio
50.4
Very comfortable in a seaway — a genuine bluewater motion.
Capsize Screening
1.56
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Hull Speed
8.2kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
1lbs
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
50.4
Very comfortable in a seaway — a genuine bluewater motion.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
1.56
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Brewer 46 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Oyster 46
Hans Christian 38
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Brewer 46.
| Brewer 46 | Hans Christian 38 | Kelly Peterson 46 | Oceanic 46 Brewer | Oyster 46 | Seamaster 46 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 46.0 | 46.0 | 46.3 | 45.8 | 46.0 | 46.0 |
| LWL | 37.8 | 33.0 | 40.8 | 36.5 | 39.6 | 40.0 |
| Beam | 13.5 | 12.5 | 13.3 | 13.5 | 14.0 | 14.3 |
| Displacement | 42 | 27 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 33 |
| Ballast | — | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Sail Area | — | 979 | 1 | — | 980 | 982 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 192 | — | — | 135 | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 17.3 | 17.1 | — | 15.6 | 15.3 |
| Bal/Disp | — | 37.5 | — | 34.3 | 40.3 | 40.0 |
| Comfort | 50.4 | 39.9 | 38.5 | — | 35.4 | 35.5 |
| Capsize | 1.56 | 1.66 | 1.66 | — | 1.77 | 1.78 |
| Hull Speed | 8.2 | 7.7 | 8.6 | — | 8.4 | 8.5 |