Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.7 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 18.2′, the Matilda 23 tops out around 5.7 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √18.2′ LWL = 5.7 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
41.3%
Stiff enough to carry a big genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Displacement / Length
342
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
5.7kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
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 Matilda 23.
| Matilda 23 | Coronado 23 Cb | Grampian 22 | Islander 23 Wakefield | Tanzer 22 Cb | Venture Of Newport 23 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 22.5 | 22.6 | 22.3 | 22.5 | 22.5 | 22.6 |
| LWL | 18.2 | 20.1 | 17.4 | 20.0 | 19.8 | 19.5 |
| Beam | 8.3 | 7.8 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 7.2 |
| Displacement | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Ballast | 1 | 810 | 850 | 1 | 1 | 600 |
| Sail Area | — | 240 | 200 | 210 | 225 | 195 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 21.0 | 23.0 | 17.4 | 17.0 | 19.7 |
| Bal/Disp | 41.3 | 32.6 | 51.5 | — | 48.4 | 30.0 |
| Comfort | — | 12.1 | 10.1 | 13.7 | 15.0 | 11.0 |
| Capsize | — | 2.29 | 2.37 | 2.16 | 2.15 | 2.28 |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.0 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 5.9 |