The Chipmunk 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.
4.3 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
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
41
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Comfort Ratio
2.3
Quick, snappy motion — better for day sails and racing than long passages.
Hull Speed
4.3kts
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
2.3
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
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Chipmunk.
| Chipmunk | Butterfly | Byte | Hobie Bravo | Phoenix 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | |||||
| LOA | 12.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| LWL | — | — | 10.5 | — | 11.7 |
| Beam | 3.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.8 |
| Displacement | 98 | 137 | 99 | 195 | 185 |
| Sail Area | 56 | 75 | 58 | 86 | — |
| Performance | |||||
| SA/Disp | — | — | 43.4 | 41.0 | — |
| Comfort | 2.3 | 2.6 | 2.0 | 3.9 | — |
| Capsize | — | — | 3.68 | 3.05 | — |
| Hull Speed | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | — |