Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
4.7 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 12.5′, the Silhouette tops out around 4.7 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √12.5′ LWL = 4.7 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Hull Speed
4.7kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
279lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Silhouette.
| Silhouette | 505 | Daysailer | Hartley Ts 16 | Hawk 16 Pearson | Tanzer 16 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 16.5 | 16.5 | 16.8 | 16.4 | 16.3 | 16.3 |
| LWL | 12.5 | 15.0 | 15.5 | 14.0 | 13.0 | 15.3 |
| Beam | 6.3 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 6.0 | 6.2 |
| Displacement | — | 280 | 575 | 794 | 575 | 450 |
| Sail Area | 99 | 175 | 145 | 180 | 123 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 65.5 | 33.6 | 33.6 | 28.5 | — |
| Comfort | — | 2.5 | 4.9 | 6.0 | 5.8 | — |
| Capsize | — | 3.78 | 3.01 | 3.12 | 2.89 | — |
| Hull Speed | 4.7 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 4.8 | — |