Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.3 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 15.4′, the Precision 18 tops out around 5.3 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √15.4′ LWL = 5.3 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
262s/nm
Heavy or slow cruiser — all about the journey, not the elapsed time.
Ballast / Displacement
31.8%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
134
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
5.3kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Precision 18 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Hunter 170
Precision 18
Heavy or slow cruiser — all about the journey, not the elapsed time.
Montgomery 17
Venture 17
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Precision 18.
| Precision 18 | Holder 17 | Hunter 170 | Montgomery 17 | Siren 17 | Venture 17 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 17.4 | 17.0 | 17.1 | 17.1 | 17.2 | 17.3 |
| LWL | 15.4 | 15.0 | 12.1 | 15.8 | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Beam | 7.4 | 7.3 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 6.7 | 6.3 |
| Displacement | 1 | 950 | 478 | 1 | 750 | 900 |
| Ballast | 350 | 345 | — | 550 | 130 | 270 |
| Sail Area | — | 147 | 150 | 154 | 139 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | 262 | — | 258 | 264 | — | 314 |
| SA/Disp | — | 24.4 | 39.3 | 19.7 | 27.0 | — |
| Bal/Disp | 31.8 | — | — | 39.3 | 17.3 | 30.0 |
| Comfort | — | 6.7 | 4.1 | 9.4 | 5.9 | — |
| Capsize | — | 2.95 | 3.58 | 2.62 | 2.94 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.2 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 5.2 | — |