Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.6 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 32.5′, the Norfolk 43 tops out around 7.6 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √32.5′ LWL = 7.6 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
29.2%
Light ballast — tends to be tender; reef earlier than the numbers suggest.
Displacement / Length
350
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
7.6kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
9lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Norfolk 43 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Hans Christian 43
Westsail 43
Westsail 42
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Norfolk 43.
| Norfolk 43 | Formosa 44 | Hans Christian 43 | Mauritius 43 | Westsail 42 | Westsail 43 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 43.0 | 42.7 | 42.6 | 43.2 | 42.9 | 42.9 |
| LWL | 32.5 | 35.6 | 36.8 | 32.5 | 33.3 | 33.3 |
| Beam | 13.0 | 13.0 | 13.8 | 13.0 | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Displacement | 26 | 34 | 31 | 26 | 31 | 31 |
| Ballast | 7 | 10 | 12 | 7 | 12 | 11 |
| Sail Area | — | 1 | 894 | — | 948 | 948 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 150 | — | 174 | 159 |
| SA/Disp | — | 17.2 | 14.4 | — | 15.3 | 15.3 |
| Bal/Disp | 29.2 | 28.9 | 39.1 | 29.2 | — | 34.9 |
| Comfort | — | 47.1 | 38.2 | — | 44.2 | 44.2 |
| Capsize | — | 1.59 | 1.76 | — | 1.65 | 1.65 |
| Hull Speed | — | 8.0 | 8.1 | — | 7.7 | 7.7 |