The Fraser 51 is with a gentle bluewater motion.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
8.5 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 40.0′, the Fraser 51 tops out around 8.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √40.0′ LWL = 8.5 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
33.3%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
293
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Comfort Ratio
44.6
Very comfortable in a seaway — a genuine bluewater motion.
Capsize Screening
1.61
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Hull Speed
8.5kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2lbs
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
44.6
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
1.61
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 Fraser 51 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Bristol 51
Endeavour 51
Valiant 50
Shannon 50
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Fraser 51.
| Fraser 51 | Bristol 51 | Endeavour 51 | Little Harbor 51 | Shannon 50 | Valiant 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 51.0 | 51.1 | 51.0 | 50.6 | 50.9 | 50.7 |
| LWL | 40.0 | 42.0 | 42.3 | 41.0 | 42.8 | 40.3 |
| Beam | 14.0 | 15.2 | 15.0 | 15.3 | 14.3 | 13.8 |
| Displacement | 42 | 43 | 37 | 45 | 39 | 35 |
| Ballast | 14 | 19 | 17 | 18 | 15 | 11 |
| Sail Area | — | 1,200 | 1,078 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 69 | 75 | — | 117 | 102 |
| SA/Disp | — | 15.5 | 15.6 | 15.3 | 17.1 | — |
| Bal/Disp | 33.3 | 43.5 | 46.8 | — | 39.7 | 31.0 |
| Comfort | 44.6 | 40.4 | 34.6 | 42.8 | 38.8 | — |
| Capsize | 1.61 | 1.73 | 1.80 | 1.71 | 1.68 | — |
| Hull Speed | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.7 | 8.6 | 8.8 | — |