The Intercat 1500 is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 26.5′, the Intercat 1500 tops out around 6.9 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √26.5′ LWL = 6.9 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
22.8
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Hull Speed
6.9kts
S# (Speed Number)
4.9
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Intercat 1500 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Hunter 28.5
Precision 28
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° | 3.2 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| Close Reach60° | 3.9 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 5.7 |
| Beam Reach90° | 4.7 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 6.9 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 4.4 | 5.5 | 6.2 | 6.5 |
| Run150–180° | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 5.2 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (6.9 kts),
SA/D (22.8), 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 Intercat 1500 — 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 Intercat 1500.
| Intercat 1500 | Ericson 28 2 | Hunter 28.5 | Pearson 28 1975 80 | Precision 28 | S2 86 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 |
| LWL | 26.5 | 23.3 | — | 24.0 | 23.0 | 22.5 |
| Beam | 14.3 | 10.0 | — | 9.3 | 10.0 | 9.5 |
| Displacement | 5 | 7 | — | 7 | 5 | 7 |
| Ballast | — | 3 | — | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Sail Area | 415 | 411 | — | 395 | — | 390 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 180 | — | 207 | — |
| SA/Disp | 22.8 | 17.2 | — | 16.1 | — | 16.2 |
| Bal/Disp | — | — | — | 45.0 | 34.6 | — |
| Comfort | — | 21.8 | — | 24.9 | — | 24.2 |
| Capsize | — | 2.05 | — | 1.86 | — | 1.94 |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.5 | — | 6.6 | — | 6.4 |