Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.4 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 23.0′, the Northwest 28 tops out around 6.4 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √23.0′ LWL = 6.4 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
257
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
6.4kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
5lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Northwest 28 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Caliber 28
Islander 28
Newport 28
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Northwest 28.
| Northwest 28 | Bahama 28 Islander | Caliber 28 | Islander 28 | Newport 28 | Tanzer 85 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 27.7 | 27.9 | 27.5 | 27.9 | 27.7 | 27.9 |
| LWL | 23.0 | 23.1 | 24.3 | 23.1 | 25.0 | 23.8 |
| Beam | 9.5 | 9.8 | 10.8 | 9.8 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Displacement | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Ballast | — | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Sail Area | — | 361 | 428 | 361 | — | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 186 | 186 | 192 | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 15.8 | 18.4 | 15.8 | — | — |
| Bal/Disp | — | 42.9 | 43.1 | 42.9 | 45.7 | 40.5 |
| Comfort | — | 21.0 | 18.4 | 21.0 | — | — |
| Capsize | — | 2.06 | 2.25 | 2.06 | — | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.4 | — | — |