Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.0 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 14.0′, the Marsh Cat tops out around 5.0 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √14.0′ LWL = 5.0 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Displacement / Length
213
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
5.0kts
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 Marsh Cat.
| Marsh Cat | Menger Cat 15 | Mercury 15 Cb Cape Cod | Mystic River Catboat | Sage Cat 15 | Thom Cat 15 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.0 | 15.2 | 15.0 |
| LWL | 14.0 | 15.0 | 13.8 | — | 14.5 | 15.0 |
| Beam | 6.9 | 7.0 | 5.4 | 7.0 | 6.4 | 7.0 |
| Displacement | 1 | 700 | 470 | 475 | 800 | 700 |
| Ballast | — | — | — | — | 225 | — |
| Sail Area | — | 145 | 119 | — | 122 | 145 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 29.5 | 31.5 | — | 22.7 | 29.5 |
| Bal/Disp | — | — | — | — | 28.1 | — |
| Comfort | — | 5.4 | 5.4 | 4.1 | 7.1 | 5.4 |
| Capsize | — | 3.16 | 2.79 | — | 2.77 | 3.16 |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.2 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.2 |