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 37.5′, the Ct 48 tops out around 8.2 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √37.5′ 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.
Ballast / Displacement
35.0%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
339
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
8.2kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
12lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Ct 48 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
X 482
Baltic 48 Dp
Oyster 48 Lightwave
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Ct 48.
| Ct 48 | Baltic 48 Dp | Christina 48 Hans Christian | Clipper 48 Ketch Cheoy Lee | Oyster 48 Lightwave | X 482 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 48.0 | 48.1 | 47.9 | 47.9 | 48.0 | 48.0 |
| LWL | 37.5 | 38.6 | 40.3 | 34.0 | 41.7 | 41.0 |
| Beam | 14.5 | 14.3 | 13.5 | 13.0 | 14.3 | 14.1 |
| Displacement | 40 | 26 | 29 | 31 | 27 | 26 |
| Ballast | 14 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
| Sail Area | — | 1 | 960 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 48 | — | — | 62 | 15 |
| SA/Disp | — | 20.4 | 16.0 | 19.2 | 18.9 | 20.8 |
| Bal/Disp | 35.0 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Comfort | — | 28.7 | 33.9 | 41.2 | 27.6 | 28.0 |
| Capsize | — | 1.92 | 1.74 | 1.66 | 1.91 | 1.89 |
| Hull Speed | — | 8.3 | 8.5 | 7.8 | 8.7 | 8.6 |