Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.2 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 15.0′, the Snug Harbor 18 tops out around 5.2 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √15.0′ LWL = 5.2 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
30.8%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
172
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
5.2kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
2lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Snug Harbor 18 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Hunter 18
Catalina 18
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Snug Harbor 18.
| Snug Harbor 18 | Capri 18 Catalina | Catalina 18 | Hunter 18 | Johnson 18 | Sovereign 18 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 17.8 | 18.0 | 18.0 | 18.0 | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| LWL | 15.0 | 16.3 | 15.8 | 15.5 | — | 14.5 |
| Beam | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.5 | 6.6 | 7.0 |
| Displacement | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 480 | 1 |
| Ballast | 400 | 425 | 500 | 500 | — | 540 |
| Sail Area | — | 155 | 152 | 145 | 185 | 123 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 289 | 282 | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 19.0 | 19.9 | 18.5 | — | 16.1 |
| Bal/Disp | 30.8 | 28.3 | 37.0 | 35.7 | — | 40.0 |
| Comfort | — | 9.3 | 8.2 | 9.0 | 3.7 | 10.0 |
| Capsize | — | 2.65 | 2.81 | 2.68 | — | 2.54 |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.1 |