Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
5.8 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 18.4′, the Sonata Thomas tops out around 5.8 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √18.4′ LWL = 5.8 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
41.3%
Stiff enough to carry a big genoa comfortably into moderate breeze.
Displacement / Length
176
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
5.8kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Sonata Thomas sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Ranger 22
Tanzer 22
Seafarer 23
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Sonata Thomas.
| Sonata Thomas | Ericson 23 1 | J22 | Ranger 22 | Seafarer 23 | Tanzer 22 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 22.6 | 22.6 | 22.5 | 22.5 | 22.7 | 22.5 |
| LWL | 18.4 | 19.2 | 19.0 | 17.6 | 20.0 | 19.8 |
| Beam | 8.5 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 7.8 | 7.6 | 7.8 |
| Displacement | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Ballast | 1 | 1 | 700 | 900 | 1 | 1 |
| Sail Area | — | 215 | 223 | — | 219 | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | — | 222 | 260 | 246 |
| SA/Disp | — | 17.8 | 24.3 | — | 17.9 | — |
| Bal/Disp | 41.3 | 48.2 | 39.1 | 41.2 | 38.6 | 43.1 |
| Comfort | — | 14.1 | 8.6 | — | 13.8 | — |
| Capsize | — | 2.16 | 2.64 | — | 2.17 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 5.9 | 5.8 | — | 6.0 | — |