The Dean 441 is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
8.8 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 43.0′, the Dean 441 tops out around 8.8 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √43.0′ LWL = 8.8 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
25.8
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Displacement / Length
136
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
8.8kts
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Dean 441 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Hanse 430
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail | 6 kts TWS | 10 kts TWS | 15 kts TWS | 20 kts TWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close-hauled40–50° | 4.1 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.1 |
| Close Reach60° | 5.0 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.4 |
| Beam Reach90° | 6.1 | 7.8 | 8.7 | 9.4 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 5.7 | 7.2 | 8.0 | 8.7 |
| Run150–180° | 4.5 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.7 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (8.8 kts),
SA/D (25.8), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Dean 441 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Dean 441.
| Dean 441 | Dean 440 | Fp 44 | Hanse 430 | Oceanis 430 Beneteau | Varianta 44 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 43.6 | 43.6 | 43.5 | 43.6 | 43.6 | 43.7 |
| LWL | 43.0 | 43.0 | — | 39.4 | 37.4 | 39.4 |
| Beam | 23.6 | 23.8 | 24.4 | 13.7 | 14.1 | 13.7 |
| Displacement | 24 | 22 | 33 | 24 | 22 | 21 |
| Ballast | — | — | — | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| Sail Area | 1 | 1,420 | 1,323 | 1 | 861 | 1 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | — | 71 | — | — |
| SA/Disp | 25.8 | 29.0 | 20.5 | 19.7 | 17.0 | 23.4 |
| Bal/Disp | — | — | — | 29.4 | 35.6 | 32.7 |
| Comfort | — | 11.5 | 18.7 | 28.0 | 26.4 | 25.3 |
| Capsize | — | 3.40 | 3.03 | 1.90 | 1.99 | 1.96 |
| Hull Speed | — | 8.8 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.2 | 8.4 |