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Sceptre 43
Designer: Hein Driehuyzen  ·  Builder: Sceptre Yachts Ltd. (Can)  ·  First built: 1995
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About the Sceptre 43

Designed by Hein Driehuyzen and built by Canadian manufacturer Sceptre Yachts Ltd. starting in 1995, this 43-footer represents a well-balanced approach to cruising sailboat design. The fiberglass construction features a fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration, providing good directional stability while maintaining reasonable performance under sail. With a displacement of 21,500 pounds and substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio, the Sceptre 43 offers the stability and seaworthiness expected of a serious cruising yacht. The masthead sloop rig carries 774 square feet of sail area, delivering a moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio of 16.08 that favors steady, predictable sailing characteristics over pure speed. The comfortable 29.64 comfort ratio and favorable 1.83 capsize screening value indicate this boat prioritizes safety and livability over racing performance. The 36-foot waterline length and theoretical hull speed of 8.04 knots suggest respectable passage-making capability, while the 12.67-foot beam provides generous interior volume for extended cruising comfort. A 50-horsepower auxiliary engine ensures reliable motoring in calm conditions. This design appears well-suited for coastal cruising and offshore passage-making, appealing to sailors who value seaworthiness and comfort over outright speed.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 43.00 ft / 13.11 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 36.00 ft / 10.97 m
Beam 12.67 ft / 3.86 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 21,500.00 lb / 9,752 kg
Ballast 8,700.00 lb / 3,946 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 774.00 ft² / 71.91 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Hein Driehuyzen
Builder Sceptre Yachts Ltd. (CAN)
First Built 1995
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 123
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 16.08
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 40.47
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 205.72
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 29.64
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.83
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 8.04 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.53
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,629.77 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 16.07
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 53.00 ft / 16.15 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 17.67 ft / 5.39 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 47.00 ft / 14.33 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.00 ft / 3.96 m
SA Fore 468.26 ft² / 43.50 m²
SA Main 305.50 ft² / 28.38 m²
SA Total (100%) 773.76 ft² / 71.88 m²
Est. Forestay Length 55.87 ft / 17.03 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 4JH-TE
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 50
Fuel Capacity 76 gals / 288 L
Water Capacity 160 gals / 606 L
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