The Merit 23 is designed for cruising comfort rather than racing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.8 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 19.0′, the Merit 23 tops out around 5.8 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √19.0′ LWL = 5.8 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
201s/nm
Typical cruiser — designed for comfort and ease, not podium finishes.
Displacement / Length
111
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
5.8kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Merit 23 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Merit 23
Typical cruiser — designed for comfort and ease, not podium finishes.
Sonic 23
San Juan 23
Pearson 23
Pearson 23C
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Merit 23.
| Merit 23 | Pearson 23 | Pearson 23C | San Juan 23 | Sonar | Sonic 23 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 23.0 | 23.0 | 23.0 | 23.0 | 23.0 | 23.0 |
| LWL | 19.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.3 | 19.9 | 20.0 |
| Beam | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 7.8 | 7.6 |
| Displacement | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Ballast | — | 1 | 1 | 960 | 930 | 1 |
| Sail Area | — | 238 | 210 | — | 265 | 242 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | 201 | 240 | 240 | 236 | — | 227 |
| SA/Disp | — | 16.6 | 16.2 | — | 25.9 | 17.2 |
| Bal/Disp | — | 37.1 | 40.0 | 35.6 | 44.3 | 44.1 |
| Comfort | — | 16.3 | 13.9 | — | 10.0 | 16.9 |
| Capsize | — | 2.11 | 2.22 | — | 2.45 | 2.02 |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.0 | 6.0 | — | 6.0 | 6.0 |