The Scorpio 72 is modestly canvassed and unhurried, with a gentle bluewater motion.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 50.9′, the Scorpio 72 tops out around 9.6 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √50.9′ LWL = 9.6 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
10.7
Modestly canvassed — a comfortable, unhurried cruiser.
Ballast / Displacement
49.1%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.
Displacement / Length
385
Heavy displacement — a slow, steady, seakindly hull.
Comfort Ratio
69.4
Very comfortable in a seaway — a genuine bluewater motion.
Capsize Screening
1.47
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
SA/Disp (Calculated)
8.9
Computed from measured I/J/P/E rather than reported sail area.
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
69.4
Very comfortable in a seaway — a genuine bluewater motion.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
1.47
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail |
6 kts TWS |
10 kts TWS |
15 kts TWS |
20 kts TWS |
| Close-hauled40–50° |
3.1 |
3.9 |
4.4 |
4.6 |
| Close Reach60° |
3.8 |
4.8 |
5.3 |
5.6 |
| Beam Reach90° |
4.6 |
5.8 |
6.5 |
6.8 |
| Broad Reach120–135° |
4.3 |
5.4 |
6.0 |
6.3 |
| Run150–180° |
3.4 |
4.3 |
4.8 |
5.0 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (9.6 kts),
SA/D (10.7), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Scorpio 72 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghost
Sweet Spot
Reef
Heavy
0–8 kts
8–24 kts
24–34 kts
34+ kts
Ghosting
0–8 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
8–24 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
24–34 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
34+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Scorpio 72.
|
Scorpio 72 |
Baltic 64 |
Ct 65 Scorpio 72 |
Lafitte 66 |
Little Harbor 63 |
Swan 651 |
| Dimensions |
| LOA |
65.0 |
64.2 |
64.8 |
66.0 |
63.8 |
65.7 |
| LWL |
50.9 |
50.5 |
50.8 |
52.3 |
48.7 |
55.1 |
| Beam |
17.8 |
17.3 |
17.5 |
16.3 |
17.3 |
17.5 |
| Displacement |
114 |
56 |
77 |
67 |
65 |
75 |
| Ballast |
56 |
24 |
26 |
19 |
27 |
31 |
| Sail Area |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Performance |
| SA/Disp |
10.7 |
19.9 |
15.7 |
15.8 |
19.3 |
18.8 |
| Bal/Disp |
49.1 |
43.9 |
33.6 |
— |
41.5 |
42.0 |
| Comfort |
69.4 |
35.7 |
48.1 |
44.6 |
42.6 |
44.3 |
| Capsize |
1.47 |
1.81 |
1.65 |
1.61 |
1.72 |
1.66 |
| Hull Speed |
9.6 |
9.5 |
9.6 |
9.7 |
9.4 |
9.9 |