Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 19.3′, the Martin 242 tops out around 5.9 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √19.3′ LWL = 5.9 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
37.2%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
156
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
5.9kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Martin 242 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Farr 740 Sport
Seidelmann 245
Captiva 240
Hunter 240
Shark 24
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Martin 242.
| Martin 242 | Captiva 240 | Farr 740 Sport | Hunter 240 | Seidelmann 245 | Shark 24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 24.2 | 24.0 | 24.3 | 24.1 | 24.2 | 24.0 |
| LWL | 19.3 | 20.5 | 21.8 | 22.1 | 20.5 | 20.0 |
| Beam | 8.0 | 8.2 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.0 | 6.8 |
| Displacement | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Ballast | 930 | 1 | 827 | 1 | 1 | 675 |
| Sail Area | — | 280 | 257 | 236 | 267 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 222 | 165 | 228 | 216 | 236 |
| SA/Disp | — | 25.1 | 19.8 | 16.1 | 20.6 | — |
| Bal/Disp | 37.2 | — | 27.6 | 36.1 | — | 30.7 |
| Comfort | — | 10.5 | 12.6 | 14.8 | 13.5 | — |
| Capsize | — | 2.44 | 2.27 | 2.16 | 2.22 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.1 | — |