Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
4.6 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 11.7′, the Phoenix 12 tops out around 4.6 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √11.7′ LWL = 4.6 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Displacement / Length
52
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
4.6kts
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 Phoenix 12.
| Phoenix 12 | Byte | Hobie Bravo | Hobie One 12 | Howmar 12 | Sparrow 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 12.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 12.2 | 12.0 |
| LWL | 11.7 | 10.5 | — | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.9 |
| Beam | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Displacement | 185 | 99 | 195 | 125 | 175 | 351 |
| Ballast | — | — | — | — | — | 130 |
| Sail Area | — | 58 | 86 | — | 90 | 73 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 43.4 | 41.0 | — | 46.1 | 23.5 |
| Comfort | — | 2.0 | 3.9 | — | 2.9 | 4.8 |
| Capsize | — | 3.68 | 3.05 | — | 3.58 | 3.22 |
| Hull Speed | — | 4.3 | 4.3 | — | 4.3 | 4.4 |