Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.1 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 14.3′, the Drifter 17 tops out around 5.1 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √14.3′ LWL = 5.1 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
36.4%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
170
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
5.1kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2lbs
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 Drifter 17.
| Drifter 17 | Com Pac 19 | Hunter 185 | Macgregor 19 | Precision 185 | Typhoon 18 Weekender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 18.7 | 19.0 | 18.4 | 18.8 | 18.4 | 18.5 |
| LWL | 14.3 | 16.3 | 15.5 | 17.0 | 16.7 | 13.5 |
| Beam | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Displacement | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 880 | 2 |
| Ballast | 400 | 800 | 520 | 800 | 375 | 900 |
| Sail Area | — | 145 | 176 | — | 181 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 14.7 | 20.6 | — | 31.6 | — |
| Bal/Disp | 36.4 | 40.0 | 32.5 | 39.0 | 42.6 | 45.0 |
| Comfort | — | 13.5 | 11.1 | — | 5.6 | — |
| Capsize | — | 2.22 | 2.42 | — | 3.06 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.4 | 5.3 | — | 5.5 | — |