Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
4.3 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 10.5′, the Phantom 14 Howmar tops out around 4.3 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √10.5′ LWL = 4.3 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
46
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
4.3kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
1lbs
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 Phantom 14 Howmar.
| Phantom 14 Howmar | Dolphin 15 Senior | Force 5 | Laser 2 | Sol | Sunfish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 14.2 | 14.5 | 13.9 | 14.4 | 13.8 | 13.9 |
| LWL | 10.5 | 13.5 | 13.2 | 13.8 | — | 13.0 |
| Beam | 4.4 | 5.1 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Displacement | 120 | 170 | 140 | 170 | 120 | 129 |
| Sail Area | — | 85 | 91 | 124 | — | 75 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 44.4 | 54.0 | 64.7 | — | 47.0 |
| Comfort | — | 2.2 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Capsize | — | 3.67 | 3.72 | 3.37 | — | 3.25 |
| Hull Speed | — | 4.9 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.6 | 4.8 |