Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.5 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 31.5′, the Peterson 36 tops out around 7.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √31.5′ LWL = 7.5 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
37.5%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
229
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
7.5kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
7lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Peterson 36 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Frers 36
Farr 1104
Islander 36
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Peterson 36.
| Peterson 36 | Farr 1104 | Frers 36 | Islander 36 | Sigma 36 Thomas | Sweden Yachts 36 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 36.1 | 36.0 | 36.0 | 36.1 | 36.0 | 36.1 |
| LWL | 31.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 28.3 | 28.8 | 29.5 |
| Beam | 10.5 | 11.9 | 12.0 | 11.2 | 11.5 | 12.0 |
| Displacement | 16 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 14 |
| Ballast | 6 | 3 | 5 | 5 | — | 5 |
| Sail Area | — | 631 | 668 | 576 | 605 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 105 | 93 | 144 | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 24.3 | 21.8 | 16.4 | 18.2 | — |
| Bal/Disp | 37.5 | 40.1 | 49.5 | — | — | 41.6 |
| Comfort | — | 15.8 | 19.6 | 27.3 | 23.9 | — |
| Capsize | — | 2.34 | 2.17 | 1.88 | 1.99 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.1 | 7.2 | — |