Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.4 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 16.0′, the Marlin Herreshoff tops out around 5.4 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √16.0′ LWL = 5.4 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
49.1%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.
Displacement / Length
311
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
5.4kts
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 Marlin Herreshoff.
| Marlin Herreshoff | Arrowhead Rhodes | Boothbay Harbor One Design | Dater Rhodes | Fish Herreshoff | Victory Cowes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 20.8 | 20.7 | 21.0 | 20.7 | 20.8 | 20.8 |
| LWL | 16.0 | 14.0 | 19.8 | 18.0 | 16.0 | — |
| Beam | 7.1 | 6.0 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 7.1 | 5.8 |
| Displacement | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Ballast | 1 | — | 900 | — | 1 | 1 |
| Sail Area | — | 150 | 227 | 224 | 271 | 195 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 9.6 | 22.2 | 27.4 | 21.0 | — |
| Bal/Disp | 49.1 | — | 42.9 | — | 47.0 | — |
| Comfort | — | 35.5 | 16.6 | 8.4 | 19.3 | 11.9 |
| Capsize | — | 1.51 | 1.72 | 2.62 | 1.98 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.0 | 6.0 | 5.7 | 5.4 | 5.6 |