The Knarr is moderately powered for comfortable coastal cruising, with acceptable motion comfort for coastal passages.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 20.4′, the Knarr tops out around 6.1 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √20.4′ LWL = 6.0 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
15.9
Moderate sail power — a capable coastal cruiser, not overpowered.
Comfort Ratio
24.5
Acceptable coastal comfort — fine for weekends, notice the chop offshore.
Capsize Screening
1.64
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Pounds/Inch Immersion
506lbs
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
24.5
Acceptable coastal comfort — fine for weekends, notice the chop offshore.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
1.64
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 Knarr sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Cruiser/Racer 90–150
Cruiser 150–210
Heavy Cruiser 210–300
Shields
176s/nm
Pearson 300
223s/nm
Alberg 30
228s/nm
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° |
2.3 |
2.9 |
3.3 |
3.4 |
| Close Reach60° |
2.8 |
3.6 |
4.0 |
4.2 |
| Beam Reach90° |
3.5 |
4.4 |
4.9 |
5.1 |
| Broad Reach120–135° |
3.2 |
4.0 |
4.5 |
4.7 |
| Run150–180° |
2.6 |
3.2 |
3.6 |
3.8 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (6.1 kts),
SA/D (15.9), 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 Knarr — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghost
Sweet Spot
Reef
Heavy
0–7 kts
7–20 kts
20–28 kts
28+ kts
Ghosting
0–7 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
7–20 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
20–28 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
28+ 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 Knarr.
|
Knarr |
Alberg 30 |
Cal 2 30 |
Ericson 30 1 |
Pearson 300 |
Shields |
| Dimensions |
| LOA |
30.3 |
30.3 |
30.2 |
30.3 |
30.3 |
30.2 |
| LWL |
20.4 |
21.7 |
25.0 |
23.3 |
23.3 |
20.0 |
| Beam |
7.0 |
8.8 |
9.0 |
9.5 |
9.3 |
6.4 |
| Displacement |
4 |
9 |
10 |
7 |
10 |
4 |
| Ballast |
2 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Sail Area |
286 |
410 |
464 |
410 |
342 |
360 |
| Performance |
| PHRF |
— |
228 |
— |
— |
223 |
176 |
| SA/Disp |
15.9 |
15.2 |
15.7 |
16.7 |
11.8 |
20.9 |
| Bal/Disp |
— |
— |
43.7 |
— |
38.0 |
67.0 |
| Comfort |
24.5 |
31.9 |
32.1 |
23.7 |
31.4 |
25.9 |
| Capsize |
1.64 |
1.69 |
1.66 |
1.92 |
1.72 |
1.55 |
| Hull Speed |
6.1 |
6.2 |
6.7 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.0 |