Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.6 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 24.0′, the Ohlson 88 tops out around 6.6 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √24.0′ LWL = 6.6 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
33.3%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
258
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
6.6kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
5lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Ohlson 88 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Cal 29
Shipman 28
Ericson 29
Contest 29
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Ohlson 88.
| Ohlson 88 | Cal 29 | Contest 29 | Ericson 29 | Hallberg Rassy 29 | Shipman 28 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 28.9 | 29.0 | 29.0 | 28.6 | 29.2 | 29.1 |
| LWL | 24.0 | 24.0 | 24.0 | 22.0 | 23.8 | 21.0 |
| Beam | 9.4 | 9.3 | 8.3 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 8.5 |
| Displacement | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
| Ballast | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Sail Area | — | — | — | 436 | 538 | 349 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 183 | 234 | 210 | — | 198 |
| SA/Disp | — | — | 6.9 | 16.8 | 20.9 | 15.9 |
| Bal/Disp | 33.3 | 41.9 | 38.8 | 45.9 | 46.1 | — |
| Comfort | — | — | — | 28.3 | 26.2 | 25.1 |
| Capsize | — | — | — | 1.82 | 1.83 | 1.82 |
| Hull Speed | — | — | — | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.1 |