Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.0 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 19.8′, the Prudence Herreshoff tops out around 6.0 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √19.8′ LWL = 6.0 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
50.0%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.
Displacement / Length
406
Heavy displacement — a slow, steady, seakindly hull.
Hull Speed
6.0kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Prudence Herreshoff sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Bear
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Prudence Herreshoff.
| Prudence Herreshoff | Bear | Blue Moon 23 | Ensign Pearson | Sea Sprite 23 Daysailer | Spartan 1 Buchanan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 22.8 | 23.0 | 23.0 | 22.5 | 22.5 | 23.0 |
| LWL | 19.8 | 18.1 | 20.0 | 16.8 | 16.3 | 18.3 |
| Beam | 8.0 | 6.8 | 8.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
| Displacement | 7 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Ballast | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Sail Area | — | 258 | 410 | 235 | 247 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 252 | — | — | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 14.2 | 16.4 | 18.1 | 17.7 | — |
| Bal/Disp | 50.0 | 40.0 | 28.6 | 40.0 | 43.2 | 61.8 |
| Comfort | — | 31.1 | 34.4 | 18.8 | 21.4 | — |
| Capsize | — | 1.58 | 1.70 | 1.94 | 1.87 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.7 | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.4 | — |