The Kraken 40 is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 34.5′, the Kraken 40 tops out around 7.9 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √34.5′ LWL = 7.9 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
36.5
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Hull Speed
7.9kts
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Kraken 40 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Oyster 395 Lightwave
Fast Passage 39
Passport 40
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° | 3.7 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 5.5 |
| Close Reach60° | 4.5 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.6 |
| Beam Reach90° | 5.5 | 7.0 | 7.8 | 7.9 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 5.1 | 6.4 | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| Run150–180° | 4.1 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.0 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (7.9 kts),
SA/D (36.5), 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 Kraken 40 — 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 Kraken 40.
| Kraken 40 | Fast Passage 39 | Island Spirit 40 | Oyster 395 Lightwave | Passport 40 | Rapido 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 39.5 | 39.5 | 39.7 | 39.5 | 39.4 | 39.5 |
| LWL | 34.5 | 33.5 | 38.0 | 33.8 | 33.4 | 39.4 |
| Beam | 27.0 | 11.8 | 22.1 | 11.8 | 12.7 | 28.9 |
| Displacement | 6 | 21 | 17 | 11 | 22 | 10 |
| Ballast | — | 7 | — | — | 8 | — |
| Sail Area | 750 | 799 | 908 | 732 | 762 | 1 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 132 | — | 66 | 141 | — |
| SA/Disp | 36.5 | 16.9 | 21.9 | 23.8 | 15.2 | — |
| Bal/Disp | — | 35.7 | — | — | 37.3 | — |
| Comfort | — | 34.2 | — | 18.0 | 34.0 | 4.6 |
| Capsize | — | 1.72 | — | 2.12 | 1.79 | 5.29 |
| Hull Speed | — | 7.8 | — | 7.8 | 7.8 | 8.4 |