The Shark Catamaran is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.5 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 17.0′, the Shark Catamaran tops out around 5.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √17.0′ LWL = 5.5 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
84.0
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Hull Speed
5.5kts
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° | 2.6 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 3.8 |
| Close Reach60° | 3.1 | 4.0 | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Beam Reach90° | 3.8 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.5 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 3.6 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Run150–180° | 2.8 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (5.5 kts),
SA/D (84.0), 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 Shark Catamaran — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ 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 Shark Catamaran.
| Shark Catamaran | Astus 201 | Com-Pac Horizon Cat | Hobie Fox | Nacra 20 | Tornado Catamaran | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 | 20.0 |
| LWL | 17.0 | 19.2 | 17.8 | — | — | — |
| Beam | 10.0 | 12.7 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 10.0 |
| Displacement | 300 | 838 | 2 | 419 | 390 | 300 |
| Ballast | — | — | 900 | — | — | — |
| Sail Area | 235 | — | 192 | 146 | — | 235 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | 84.0 | 58.2 | 16.7 | 41.8 | — | — |
| Bal/Disp | — | — | 36.0 | — | — | — |
| Comfort | — | 2.2 | 12.4 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 1.2 |
| Capsize | — | 5.41 | 2.46 | 4.55 | 4.66 | 5.98 |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.9 | 5.7 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |