Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
4.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 13.5′, the Merlin Rocket tops out around 4.9 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √13.5′ LWL = 4.9 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Displacement / Length
38
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
4.9kts
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 Merlin Rocket.
| Merlin Rocket | B14 Bethwaite | Flying Tern | Gp14 | International 14 | Jet 14 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 14.0 | 14.0 | 13.9 | 14.0 | 14.0 | 14.1 |
| LWL | 13.5 | 13.2 | — | — | 14.0 | 13.9 |
| Beam | 7.2 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 4.7 |
| Displacement | 210 | 141 | 287 | 293 | 164 | 285 |
| Sail Area | — | — | 120 | 103 | 200 | 113 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | — | 44.2 | 37.4 | 106.9 | 41.8 |
| Comfort | — | 1.7 | — | — | 1.7 | 4.0 |
| Capsize | — | 4.21 | 3.09 | 3.04 | 4.39 | 2.84 |
| Hull Speed | — | 4.9 | — | — | 5.0 | 5.0 |